Hens arrive in two weeks. Yikes! What do I need to prepare?

[Anonymous]

Hi all

Well, my girls will arrive in two weeks and the house has finally arrived after a big delay from the supplier, but its beautiful! I think I might move in instead as I'm sure the hens will only mess it up!

Hubby is just preparing the run and then I need to get bedding and feed. Can anyone give me a quick 'basics that you need' list? I have read lots of conflicting reports about Hay Vs Straw (hay is bad for the crop if the hens eat it, but straw can harbour mites in the hollow shafts). Which should I go for? or neither?

Any advice on bedding and handy equipment to make life easy will be gratefully received!

Helen

 

[Davidd]

Hello Helen, I have moved your post to this forum
Hay is no good- it is not bedding , it is feed
You can use straw, but most people use wood shavings- you can buy them in a bale and one bale should last you a while. There are also other horse bedding materials that you can use, your local feed merchant should be able to supply them.I use shavings for my chickens and straw for my geese/ducks. The choice is yours, good luck and enjoy your new birds.
regards, David

 

[snifter]

Hello

Have a look round the forum in a few threads as often handy tips and pointers can be found in the FAQ's

I also wrote this a while back for a start up list

http://poultrykeeperforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=844

Hope its of some use.

FWIW I use dust extracted shavings as I find it far cheaper and lasts longer than straw for bedding. About £5 will get you a huge bale. Must get it from horse feed merchants as pet shop stuff is a rip off price and they don't sell it in large enough quantities.

 

[Anonymous]

I got a starter kit with my hens - hens, wood shavings (they said not to use hay or straw), feeder and drinker, plastic thingy for the grit, layers pellets, mixed corn, grit (not oyster shell), poultry spice, cider vinegar, louse / mite powder, poultry disinfectant
I bought a galvanised bin and feed scoop and that was it.
I have also got some gentian violet spray in the first aid kit but never used it!

 

[Anonymous]

Wow! Thank you all so much for the helpful advice. I think I'll steer clear of hay AND straw in that case!! I'm really lucky as I have a local equestrian supplies place just down the road, so I'll pop in and see about wood shavings.

Thanks everyone! I'd best make a shopping list now!