Getting chooks on Sunday next week...

[heebiejeebie]

I'm getting 4 ex-battery girls

I have got:
a coop big enough for 6 with a run 6ft long
a feeder and a drinker
layers' pellets (and layers' mash on order in case it's different stuff)
mixed corn
straw
dust extracted wood shavings

Do I need anything else?

Oooooh I'm all excited!

[Snadger]

Let us know how you get on with them Heebiejeebie! I am aiming too get some POL chooks in March! I have seen some ex battery hens and they are not a pretty sight at first, but after a few months it's surprising how they pick up! Good luck with yours anyway!

[Sue]

Hi
I'd just add to get some small pots to hang on the wire to put grit and oyster shell in.

And do they need a dustbath? If so you can use a large cat litter tray and fill it with sieved earth for them, they love to have a good faff around in the earth and I have to fill mine up every day.

Hope you are well armed with rubber gloves for poo picking up etc!
A scrubbing brush and some suitable disinfectant would be useful too for cleaning out the henhouse. Poultry Shield was one name I recall.

I hope your new ladies enjoy their rest and recuperation with you and soon start laying lots of lovely eggs. I know that some ex-bats look in a very bad way to start but judging from pictures on some of the poultry forums they soon a lot better after a month or so.
best wishes and good luck
Sue

[seasprout]

New Hens.

Heebiejeebie, you forgot a camera, would love to see how your new girls are getting on.


(did you know, through this thread, I found out chickens will eat mice.!!!, Ive never looked at an egg the same since.!)

[heebiejeebie]

I have a couple of cat litter trays, I'm sure the moggies will spare one... don't think they'll leave any mice for the hens though!
Gloves and disinfectant I have anyway.

Oyster shell grit - I'll check the pet shop (and ebay) - thanks.
I'll blog the progress of my new ladies!

[terrier]

Don't forget their desert! Layers and corn might be their staple diet but they also enjoy a bit of fruit or leftover veg to peck at. Ours go mad for pineapple and melon. Any leftover salad greens go down a treat as well and dont forget lots of fresh water every day.

[yoanbob]

hang a lettuce in the run, they have to jump to get it and this helps them excercise and stops them from getting bored

[TPeers]

Don't worry if they hate the sight of each other and fight for the first few days - they are just establishing a pecking order!

If you are planning to let them free range on occasion then for the first few times let them out for only half an hour or so and encourage them home with their evening corn, then they learn where home is!

[heebiejeebie]

They'll be free range only when one of us is there to supervise - we have had foxes in the area before and the chooks will attract them back.

[Birdie Wife]

Sounds like you've got it more or less sussed. Some louse powder might be a good idea - usually lice come in on wild birds so if they haven't been free-ranging then they might not be affected - but then on the other hand thye've been crammed into little cages together and it's a parasite's paradise! Don't be worried if they don't come out of their coop for a while, they won't be used to the outdoors. You might have to show them how to perch too, and it might be a while before they use the dustbath. Poor things, they haven't had a chance to express any natural behaviours. Well done for taking them on.

[cottage garden]

Keep us posted Heebiejeebie, we are also planning to get some rescue chickens and are just in the process of trying to make a large run with a shed in it for them. Hoping to get them in October. I would very much like to hear how you get on so I can pick up tips!!

[kirsty b]

I'm getting some ex-battery girls on Saturday. Have got the shed all cosy for them and partitioned off part of the run so they are not overwhelmed at first.
Some one I know who rescued some a couple of months ago has told me to add a bit of olive oil to their mash as this helps them perk up and grow feathers back apparently. Going to give it a go as its not likely to do them any harm. His girls are lovely looking now.

[heebiejeebie]

I got my day wrong - I'm getting mine on Saturday too. Maybe they're from the same lot!

Thanks for the tip about olive oil, I'll try it.

[kirsty b]

I'm getting mine from a lady doing a rescue in Essex. Have not got exact address yet, but hope they send it soon as I need to plan journey and arrange what time to be there.

[daisychook]

[QUOTE=TPeers;135785]Don't worry if they hate the sight of each other and fight for the first few days - they are just establishing a pecking order!

..and if our experience is anything to go by, be warned, you will hear it all settles down in a few days. Everytime we have added a newbie, it has taken at least two to three weeks before harmony is restored!!!!!! But it is worth it in the end!!!!!