[fastmonkey85]

Hi
I have have new chickens auite recently and like you I'm new to keeping chickens. This place is where I gain all of what I know. The people on here are very friendly and they all know their stuff. I have three hybrid browns and one light sussex. They get on fine and don't seem to bother each other although the light sussex is the boss and I think she knows it.

Once you get an egg from your hens you will think why did I not get them sooner. They are a magical pet to have and I am currently hoping to have soom more on my allotment that I have just been given.

Hope you get on well

Alex

[IMOmimey]

this is what I use. 4L water (has adjustable height feet/legs, and 3Kg feeder (has an adjustable 'scratch stop' sort of grid, and can hang it up to chooks head height, then loop it higher at night away from rats.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHICKEN-DRINKER-FEEDER-incubating-hatching-poultry_W0QQitemZ380155780695QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry?hash=item58830cde57


I like the red ones too, and they are cheaper, but go brittle quickly, and so as they broke, i replaced them ALL with these green ones.

[walker]

Hi Walker
                 I've just put this on another thread but hope it may help you.
  I Have had my girls 8 off, between six & eight months (brought off grannie annie). I have two hanging feeders at head height in which I put layers pellets that already contain the grit. One half depth (to stop young chucks drowning) kitchen type plastic bowl (50p from local diy) sunk half it's depth into ground. Wood shavings (a couple of quid a lrg sack from local carpenter/joiner) on floor in coop and shredded paper (via family & friends + work) in nest box's. for hygiene I use Jeyes fluid spray type. For a treat I make up a mash once a week of old bread, cake, veggies etc (also contributed to by family & neighbours) blended then boiled & then simmered for 30 mins then kept in plastic containers in spare fridge in shed. Another treat is to hang half a cabbage approx 4-6 inches above head height for them to jump for (stops boredom & keeps them exercised and warm).

Hope this helps

Regards Steve

hi steve thanks for the info much appreciated ive just seen the other thread i will keep an eye on it for other start off tips.