[bygrace]

House is on its way, chooks are ordered for mid October, building the run next w/e... I need to get a feeder and a drinker and other stuff.

For 3/4 chooks, what size feeder and drinker should I be getting? I've no idea how much chooks drink, but have read somewhere they each eat about 100gm layers pellets pd. I might have the odd overnight away when I'd need to leave enough food and water, otherwise I guess the capacity would be a days worth??

Bit scared about ailments - so much posted on this site! Potential vet bills a bit scary too!

Think my cats will go off me soon - they're both the jealous type!

[daisy1990]

Hi

 would get the biggest feeder and drinker available and then you will need to re-fill it less often.  I changed to the galvanised ones which are more expensive than the plastic but sturdy and seem to keep the food drier in our wolds exposed garden.  Good luck with your girls

[bantam novice]

I agree with daisy here.  The only thing I would add is that if you want to give your chickens apple cider vinegar (ACV) you will need a plastic drinker too. 

I have been keeping chickens for about four years now and have not yet had to consult a vet ( :blink: oh dear now I've said it I will probably have to go next week!). 

If you have a good worming and lousing regime (I use flubenvet for internal parasites and frontline for external parasites) and keep an eye out for red mite you can prevent many potential problems.  However I would say that it is always a good idea to identify a chicken-friendly vet close to you just in case.

I find that simple common sense and good husbandry (great advice on this forum  ) stand you in good stead and don't forget to relax and enjoy watching your hens!

Good luck and don't forget the pictures