[Mega]

Hi

I have been having a look through and have seen lots & lots soooo much info but I am wondering if someone can put on here a 'list' of what you definately need etc for keeping chooks etc.
Read about frontline & spider mite powders etc - just a list so people starting out can get an idea for their chook store cupboard ??

Apolopgies if it is already on here - if its is slap me & shove me in the right direction please 

[Jeanette]

You wil need feeders and water containers.
Purple spray, Bedding. Oyster shell, Grit.
Plus lots of time just to sit and watch them.

[themagicaltoad1]

A coop and run that's bigger than you think you need because you WILL want to increase the numbers once you're hooked! If you're introducing hens that haven't met before there will be some aggression between them until they have sorted out the pecking order, so some purple spray to put on any wounds would be an idea, So long as you have the basics of somewhere to live and something to feed out of, you can pick up other bits as time goes on.

[GrannieAnnie]

Have a read of this one.  It's very informative!

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=19629.0

[Fisherman]

This is what I started with for 5 hens: -

Coop (Home Made)
Run (Home Made) 16 Sq. Mts. so OK for up to 8 hens.
Feeder. Treadle type.
Drinker. Automatic fill type with header tank.
Grit container.
Grit
Oyster shell container.
Oyster shell.
Bedding. Hemcore
Layer Pellets (2 20 Kg Bags) Lasted about 12 weeks weeks
Mixed Corn (1 20 Kg Bag) Lasted about 12 weeks
Diatom. Use it in the coop to prevent mite / lice infestation.
Fubenevet. Wormer added to the food.
Frontline. Kills lice.
Poultry Shield. Used for cleaning the coop.
5 Hybrid chickens.

Apart from the treadle feeder and the automatic drinker these are the basics required to keep a few chickens. Other things may / will crop up from time to time like vet's fees, antibotics, tonics etc.

With the exception of the coop and run the above will cost about 200 quid and worth every penny.

[Mega]

Thanks for all your help, I now know what i need to aim for money wise as well