[dakota]

I collected my hens yesterday,  Tuesday. Got them home about 1pm after a round journey of about 100 miles. The coop was prepared for them beforhand,and boy,were they ready for a drink,I never realised they drank so much. I think that I  intended to originaly purchase 3, but I came home with 5 all different breeds and colour,and they're great. I've hung a container with oyster shell in which I purchased from the breeder,on the inside of the coop run ,do I also need to put some in with the layer pellets as well. I also got 250ml of  Verm-x worming solution,it states on the container to use it every month,when I asked advise from the breeder he said to use it every 6 months,this is what confuses a novice,different opinions,any advise please, and should I use it NOW. Also I purchased 500grms Barrier Lousing powder,should I start using this now.
I've been reading a couple of  books  on keeping hens,and they mention giving a tonic solution as a supplement,do any of you give one,and if so what do you recommend,Ive also come across cider vinegar mentioned,what is this for.I know I'm asking a lot of questions,but the welfare of my hens is paramount to me,and whatever any of you can advise me on, on what to apply,or give to them is good for their wellbeing then I will follow your advise. ,A big thanks to all,who welcomed me to the forum,It's very reassuring to know someone is out there ready to offer help and advise. At 9-15pm last night,when I went out to them,they were snuggled together in a corner on the floor of the coop, I picked them up and placed them in the house,and when I went out again 15 minutes later 4 were on the 2 perches and one was lying on the floor,so I locked up and left it at that.  Best wishes to you all.  Edward

[Aunt Sally]

Sounds like you're doing just fine Edward.  

Ask three hen keepers their advice and you'll get five opinions  

You don't need to add any oyster to the layers pellets.  It contains it already.
Your hens will need grit (small stones) as well as oyster.  The use it in their gizzard to grind up their food.

Apple cider vinegar, the type sold at horsey supply store can be added to their water all the time at a rate of 1ml per litre of water.   This is very good for their digestion.  

I presume he sold you the verm-x as a wormer.  You can get more information about it from http://www.verm-x.com/poultry.htm  
It is a herbal remedy for organic poultry, and in my opinion not as effective as the Non-organic poultry wormer flubenvet.

You sound as if you are going to have a really enjoyable time with them,  just take it slowly and DON'T PANIC  

[Midwife]

Congratulations, Edward. Have you named them yet?