[HairyBear]

Picking my ladies up on Sunday and wondered whether I could check that I have everything I need for the basics:

• Hen House
  Enclosed run dug down and reinforced with 19 guage mesh, filled with bark (will also be putting in a pile of logs and other assault course items for hens' amusement -  any recommendations on this would be helpful.
  Feeder
  Drinker
  Dust bath
  Grit bowl
  Food - layers pellets, mixed corn, grit
  Bedding - aubiose
  Poultry Shield & Pressure Sprayer
  Diatom Powder
  Heavy duty rubber gloves
  Biodri Powder
  Bucket Brush
  Food scoop
  

Is there anything else I need at this stage? 
What's the difference between Biodri and Diatom - do I use both or one or the other (I bought them both as part of a coop hygiene starter pack).
Is it worth having a back-up coop yet if I need to seperate a hen (due to illness or injury) or should I only get something as and when I need it?

Many thanks - feel I have almost read too much on the subject and now getting thoroughly confused!

[Foxy]

that looks fine as a start, I expect you'll be adding bits and bobs later.
Biodri I think is a disinfectant powder. At this stage stick to the diatom (which is for mites) As well as the Poultry shield for red mite, some Jeyes would be handy just as a all round cleaner and disinfectant.

[andreadon]

it sounds good to me, hairy bear: looks like you've been paying attention!

i'm sure they'll be very happy when they arrive!

 

[Flowerpower136]

In exactly the same boat.  Thanks for the list, it's reassured me!

Only thing I've got extra is some wound power, but bought that on a whim, just in case. And some worm treatment.  And on advice, some garlic powder to mix in their water - generally a good tonic, but rumour has it, also reduces smell of poo!?  I'll try anything once!

For back up emergency ward, I've got a pet carrier (dog size), so that will have to do.

Not sure about lice?  Does Diatom do that too?  Was told to get Johnsons.

Hope it goes well on Sunday, can't get mine till 1 Aug.

[GrannieAnnie]

And don't forget the Apple Cider Vinegar.  But not supermarket stuff.  Great for sorting out tummy bugs!   

[joyfull]

purple spray, just in case of injuries - get it from horsey places along with the apple cider that grannie mentioned. Meal worms are also good for treats to get them hand tame 

[animal mad]

how much apple cider do you mix with water, is this only when they are a tummy upset. can you use it on chicks mine are 4 weeks old

[viettaclark]

I use  1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder a day for 3 hens (in their mash) for deterring nasty beasties like lice and red mite. They supposedly don't like the smell/taste. Also garlic is good for the blood! Poos don't seem less smelly really....the run just honks with a more Italian silage fragrance..

[joyfull]

how much apple cider do you mix with water, is this only when they are a tummy upset. can you use it on chicks mine are 4 weeks old

you mix 25 ml per litre of water and use in plastic drinkers (being an acid it will react with metal ones). I have 2 plastic ones with acv in 3 out of every 4 weeks and 1 galvanised water container with just plain water in all the time  .

[joyfull]

Don't forget the oyster shell oh and straw for the nesting boxes  .
Good luck with tomorrow and we want to see picies of them as soon as possible 

[Flowerpower136]

purple spray, just in case of injuries - get it from horsey places along with the apple cider that grannie mentioned. Meal worms are also good for treats to get them hand tame 

Purple spray - that must be gentian violet? Will get some.
Re straw in nest box, was going to use wood shavings to avoid red mite (am completely paranoid about them now).  Why do people use straw?

[Foxy]

I start with half strength with chicks from around 2 weeks old ish. 10mls per litre

[animal mad]

thanks i will try and get some later.