Ex-Bats now or wait till Spring?

[Noodle]

Hi,
We're going in a couple of hours to help out at the rehoming and was told on the phone that my OH can take all adopters details and they'll be matched (as far as possible) to hens that suit them. After all they want the hens to go to the homes that are best for them! Hope you take the plunge soon!

[Hilary B]

My understanding is that while there is a theoretical risk from straw (if it isn't quite as 'clean' as it should be), hay is VERY MUCH worse, even if it is actually 'good' hay, and in a mainly fresh-air environment 'spores' are a tiny risk. It is possible to be a bit TOO hygienic in this life.....

[Flummery]

I am thrilled there are locals on this site. Every other one seems to be full of people from Yorkshire way which is so disappointing when they are offering stock for sale that you would love to buy.

And I'm from Yorkshire way and keep seeing birds for sale which are in the south! Or Scotland.

[Bephlam]

Typical...I couldn't find a bird for sale in Scotland when I was looking. Where did you see them advertised Flummery?

[Flummery]

http://www.allotment.org.uk/poultry-...r-scotland.php

got lots!

[Bephlam]

Typical! It's dangerous for me to look at that site right now though - I'm feeling the chicken love, might end up buying a few more to add to the blue poultry palace!!!

Step away from the computer.....

[frias]

I give up with hay versus straw. I was told by BHWT to use hay as softer for ex-batts. Also told by Worldwide Poultry to use hay and they do training courses for poultry keepers and also for vets who know nothing about chickens. My brain now can't cope with all the different opinions! I understand the logic (spores, mites etc) but have used hay for past 5 months and (touch wood) no problems with it.

[Noodle]

I give up with hay versus straw. I was told by BHWT to use hay as softer for ex-batts. Also told by Worldwide Poultry to use hay and they do training courses for poultry keepers and also for vets who know nothing about chickens. My brain now can't cope with all the different opinions! I understand the logic (spores, mites etc) but have used hay for past 5 months and (touch wood) no problems with it.

I think the hay issue is if it gets damp and it's not changed enough. Generally it's ok. They had it at the rehoming day everywhere for the ex-batts. Straw is worse as it's not as absorbant. I've started using sawdust on the house floor and then hay in the nest box. The sawdust is easy to 'poo pick' from. But I don't have many and could see how it could be expensive if you have loads as it needs to be quite deep!

[dozey1]

hi i am from essex to Southend to be precise. bot my 4 ex bats Saturday good luck and enjoy when you get them..

[Hilary B]

I think the hay issue is if it gets damp and it's not changed enough. Generally it's ok. They had it at the rehoming day everywhere for the ex-batts. Straw is worse as it's not as absorbant. I've started using sawdust on the house floor and then hay in the nest box. The sawdust is easy to 'poo pick' from. But I don't have many and could see how it could be expensive if you have loads as it needs to be quite deep!

You don't really need ANYTHING on the house floor (but sawdust may make cleaning out less unpleasant). Straw is BETTER in the nest box than hay BECAUSE it is less absorbent. Hay gets wet and goes mouldy. Straw simply allows wetness to pass through and stays dry on top. Hay also tends to 'pack down' quicker, which is exactly what you don't want happening, because it encourages the wetness right where you don't want it.

[Noodle]

You don't really need ANYTHING on the house floor (but sawdust may make cleaning out less unpleasant). Straw is BETTER in the nest box than hay BECAUSE it is less absorbent. Hay gets wet and goes mouldy. Straw simply allows wetness to pass through and stays dry on top. Hay also tends to 'pack down' quicker, which is exactly what you don't want happening, because it encourages the wetness right where you don't want it.

Oh! Now I see, ah well, will carry on the way i have been! The saw dust stops it from smelling so much and it's nicer to pick it up on a daily basis, I think it'll stop the floor of the house getting too damp as well, but I could just be pampering them, I don't mind that either!!!

[frias]

Unfortunately not one of my lot perch so feel I have to put something besides newspaper on the floor of the house. I am going to get some sawdust as soon as possible though as cleaning out hay is difficult. Will just use it for the nest boxes then.

[Glutton4...]

I'm the latest to be inflicted by 'Just slipped and hit the 'Buy-it-Now' button' Syndrome.

I keep harping on about getting some Chooks, but with the Dog on a restricted diet (including mountains of scrambled egg), and me being at home during the day more now, I'm getting through a lot more eggs! I buy free-range from our local farm, but I'm getting through a tray a week now.

Anyway, to the point - this is what I've bought - and I got it a tenner cheaper than this too. Figured I couldn't buy and convert an old shed for that.
[URL="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=360095747250"]

Just told OH over dinner and he didn't go mad, so that's a start -fencing and feeders tomorrow - that'll be the PayPal Account empty by then!

Watch this space

G4...X

[lynda66]

Chicken house coop Hen Poultry Foul ark Coup CP 007 L on eBay, also, Poultry Hatching Incubation, Pet Supplies, Home Garden (end time 06-Nov-08 12:02:27 GMT)

the link works now

it looks lovely, wish i'd had enough cash to buy one, i'd probably have some chooks by now

[frias]

Wendy where did you get your Stalosan F ? I have seen it on the internet but postage is about £8. Can't find any chain of stores selling it. I was considering Diatoms but a thread that Snadger put up has made me think twice about that.