[Ice]

Don't think I have ever posted in here.

I'm getting my girls tomorrow and I've been trying to find a list of things that I need.  I've searched, but can't find it.   I have:-

Fox proof run
Layers pellets
Feeder and drinker
Soil floor with straw on top
Brother that has oodles of experience in all things chicken


Is there anything I have forgotten?  I will buy medicines and extras when needed as I have a local supply of everything.

[kitkat]

Me thinks you forgot the camera, tut

[GrannieAnnie]

Shavings preferable to straw when you need some more Ice!  At least IMHO

[Ice]

Why are shaving preferable?  I can get straw for free, shavings would require some thought.

[GrannieAnnie]

It's just that straw being hollow can harbour mould spores which could give rise to respiratory probs Ice, but if its free, well, certainly a bit of thought there girl!!

[Ice]

It's free and plentiful Ann.  I'll clean it out frequently and add it to the poo pile on my brothers smallholding.  Their house will be far cleaner than mine.

[lisa80]

ice where is your local supply store ?? we have one but doesnt stock everything i want .we live about an hr from northampton but would rather travel than pay huge postage costs from buying online

[iwantanallotment]

Big Day today, Ice! How exciting 

Plz don't forget the piccies!

[Roughlee Handled]

ICE. PHOTOS NOW!
 

[lisa80]

i think ice has put pics on chicken chat

[Flowerpower136]

Dont forget grit, and a comfy place for you to sit.

I use straw in the nest boxes, nice and comfy for sitting, and wood shavings on the coop floor.  Much more absorbant so better for dealing with poo.  Go to a farm shop, big bale for £8.  Don't go to pet shops, costs a fortune.

For pen floor I'm using softwood chips, B&Q, less than £5 for big bale.  A godsend when it's wet because it stops mud splattering everywhere, and the girls love it, they can dig and throw it around, hours of fun.

In fact, I was in there myself yesterday afternoon, with a trowel, scratching around with the hens.  All sorts of worms/slugs uncovered!  Great fun though getting a bit worried, they say owners turn into their pets........Bok, Boooooook!

[Ice]

Lisa80, I go to Bell Plantation in Towcester. 

I'll get the softwood chips thanks.  When I clean them out it will make a great mulch for the veg.

[poultrygeist]

Grit, as said. Poultry grit has oyster shell and/or limestone chippings in for calcium. Most important 
Something to prevent redmite. Diatom if you can get it or Red Mite Powder.
Apple Cider Vinegar from a horsey/chickeny place. Plastic drinker only.
Possibly Poultry Shield to clean out with. And/or Stalosan for disinfecting coop and run.
Errrrmmmm.

Rob

[Ice]

They had all that stuff at the shop and doesn't it cost an arm and a leg.   Next time it's t'internet for buying them.

[AmandaH]

  Have you started growing feathers yet, Flowerpower?