[ScottBarton]

Right all....need some more advice. Need to compile a bit of shopping list for any equipment/feed/bedding i need ready for my poultry adventure!
Am planning on getting my hens in January, will give me plenty of time to get my coop/run built and to prepare the area where they are going to be sited.
Did a bit of a reccy near me to some local pet shops and established i can buy all the feed that i need for my chickens, and they also stock soft wood chips, straw and hay.

So, i need a bit of a shopping list. I have started with the obvious...can you all lend me your experience and add to the list? Would rather get it all in for when i get my hens than to realise i need something at the last minute!  :roll:
1. Feeder (What size for up to 4 hens? Plastic or galv?)
2. Water drinker (Again, what size? Plastic or galv?)
3. Red mite powder
4. A suitable disinfectant to clean the coop.
5. Bedding (What is best? Straw?)
6. Feed (What type? Pellets? Layers mash? etc etc)
7. Any other medicines/ointments i need to keep?
8. Grit. Any particular type?
9. Crushed oyster shell?
10. Provision of a dust bath? Was thinking of a large washing up bowl?

Anything else?

[compostqueen]

I think has been covered quite a lot in the Hen House  

[Lardman]

11. A CAMERA ... its the law you know  

[Kate and her Ducks]

Sounds like you have got it pretty much covered!

There is loads of great info in the Poulry - Information section and it is easy to search through. Just go to the main index and it is grouped with the Hen House and Chicken Chat.

[ScottBarton]

I think has been covered quite a lot in the Hen House  

As well may be the case...but i have searched a few pages and not found a thread that will satisfy my curiosity and indeed answers to my questions. Maybe one should be added as a sticky for any newcomers like myself?

Can you point me in the direction of any useful threads?

[ScottBarton]

Sounds like you have got it pretty much covered!

There is loads of great info in the Poulry - Information section and it is easy to search through. Just go to the main index and it is grouped with the Hen House and Chicken Chat.

Excellent...thanks Kate.  :thumleft:

[compostqueen]

I thought there was a sticky for this, I know there's threads on it for sure, so go and have a read up on it

I'd avoid getting stuff for the sake of it, cos you can get carried away  
Also it depends on whether you're organic or not, that will influence your choice of feed and medicines

[Brambles]

Only thing I found with my latest hen, Black Rhode, is that she is DREADFULLY clumsy :roll:   I had a plastic feeder that I had to change to a plastic hanging feeder because she constantly tipped out all the pellets.
The same with the water.. I then got a galvanized water pot, think it was for geese.. she doesn't tip THAT one over
Layers pellets are easy to use and less messy than mash.
I found in the early days that straw is not a good idea, it tangles around the chickens feet.  I use dust extracted wood chips.
You will need to worm your chooks!  
As for a dust bath.. my girls find their own!
Although I have had hens for some years I am still learning and getting more pleasure from my girls each day.
There is lots of info on this site, and on the net if you look for it.  Don't stress about it, ask questions and ENJOY

[compostqueen]

I thought it was hay that got round the birds feet, not straw

I use straw for the top of the nesting box, while underneath, and in the poop tray I use Aubiose or Hemcore. Straw seems to keep the eggs cleaner than just Aubiose on its own

[Aunt Sally]

I keep purple spray and wound powder in case of injuries.

[khelashi]

That was just what I wanted to know too! Am in the same process as you, hopefully will be ready for the hens at around Christmas or early January. Just what is the red mite powder for and how do you use it? I haven't heard of that. And where do you put the grit and what kind?
Thanks

[poultrygeist]

Hi khelashi.

If you search the Hen House forum for "red mites", you'll find out all about them. If you can't find what you want, coem back and we'll fill you in.
But I bet you'll be itching once you've read about them   :x

Rob

[raeburg]

If you get a galvanised drinker DON'T put Cider Apple Vinegar in it with the water as it destroys the galvanising an poisons the brdds.

[happy chick]

we got our girls about 5 weeks ago and the most useful items I bought out of loads of stuff ( obviously not incl drinkers/feeders) has been the purple spray (used it loads!) and the diatomaceous earth (sprinkling little bit in house on clean out days as preventative measure for red mites).  There you go - just 2 useful wouldn't be withouts!

[ScottBarton]

Excellent..so updated list.
Maybe once this is comprehensive someone could make this a sticky?
Would just like a bit of advice on the questions in red from all you hen keeping guru's out there!  

1. Plastic Feeder (What size for up to 4 hens?)
2. Plastic Water drinker (Again, what size?)
3. Red mite powder
4. A suitable disinfectant to clean the coop.
5. Bedding (What is best? Straw?)
6. Feed. Layers Pellets
7. Any other medicines/ointments i need to keep?
8. Grit. Any particular type?
9. Crushed oyster shell? How is this given to the chickens? Mixed with the feed?
10. Provision of a dust bath? Was thinking of a large washing up bowl?
11. Purple spray
12. Diatomaceous earth
13. Wound Powder
14. Worming prevention
15. Camera!!