An expectant Chicken keeper

sianobrien · « **on:** November 23, 2007, 21:18 »

Hello!

I have been bought a chicken coup for Christmas and will begin to keep chickens (two at first!) and wondered if you had any guidence on what they will need, what I will need to buy for them etc. I want to be as clued up as possible before I get them! I certainly WILL NOT have the chickens until I am satisfied I am armed with some good knowledge. Wanted them for so long but now need to gather information, anything and everything is welcome!!!

babe · « **Reply #1 on:** November 23, 2007, 21:21 »

have you had a look through all the posts on here, its full of the best help and advice you need,

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=1688

is muntys chicken basics - a great thread.

babe · « **Reply #2 on:** November 23, 2007, 21:22 »

and welcome to the site, you'll love it here

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #3 on:** November 23, 2007, 21:27 »

Welcome sianobrien

Have a look through some of John's poultry information pages:

http://www.poultry.allotment-garden.org/chicken/index.php

Loads of information there

richyrich7 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 23, 2007, 21:53 »

Welcome to the forum sianobrien

plenty of good sound advice round here.

MontyTom · « **Reply #5 on:** November 23, 2007, 22:05 »

a big must - make sure they are looking healthy and mite/lice free! look at stock and pens they are coming from and check for hygiene levels. look through feathers for mites if you can and ask when they were last wormed.

don't expect to pay over the odds but good stock aint cheap, especially with the work that goes into rearing them. you get what you pay for. 'rarer breed' birds can be quite pricey, so make sure you are sure about the breed you want. can't go wrong with acoupe of warrens though for first time - eggs galore and friendly, but don't cost the earth. considered ex-bats?

all the best and enjoy it!

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #6 on:** November 23, 2007, 22:09 »

I think ex-batts for a first time keeper is a bit too difficult Monty.

It can be quite stressful getting them back to health and good condition and a fairly high percentage die quite quickly :cry:

Very rewarding for a slightly more experienced keeper though

MontyTom · « **Reply #7 on:** November 23, 2007, 22:14 »

true. forgot about that. maybe not a good experience if you get 2 and they keel over! still, get some healthy warrens for not a lot.

richyrich7 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 23, 2007, 22:15 »

Go for warrens like Monty suggested , so docile and friendly and they lay like loons.

About £4.50 at POL around here

MontyTom · « **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2007, 22:17 »

silkies might be another option if you like 'nice' birds. depends if they are your cup-of-tea though, like any breed I suppose. lay through the winter I am told. have some in my incubator at the minute.

WG. · « **Reply #10 on:** November 23, 2007, 22:31 »

Munty doesn't seem to be around so I'll just post what we all know he'd say ... welsummer or buff orps

babe · « **Reply #11 on:** November 23, 2007, 22:32 »

Quote from: "WG."

Munty doesn't seem to be around so I'll just post what we all know he'd say ... welsummer or buff orps

does munty like wellies - well i never would have guessed that one

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #12 on:** November 23, 2007, 22:33 »

Quote from: "WG."

Munty doesn't seem to be around so I'll just post what we all know he'd say ... welsummer or buff orps

He loves welsummers for eggs and meat and buff orpigton banties for broodies

WG. · « **Reply #13 on:** November 23, 2007, 22:34 »

Quote from: "happyvalley"

well i never would have guessed that one

I'm pretty perceptive 'bout these things

sianobrien · « **Reply #14 on:** November 24, 2007, 10:57 »

You have all been so helpful already! Pleased I signed up

another ignoramus question-is £25 for a 5kg feeder (with rain protector) and a 9 litre drinker a good price? Found a stockist of Poultry equipment on eBay...any thoughts?

Thank yoooou

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