Another Question....

[Hinksy]

Sorry to keep asking so may questions and probably becoming boring I just want everything to be right for the arrival of the Chickens on Sunday so my next question.

Do I go and buy some Creocote today and treat the inside of the coop so to try and prevent red mite or do it if and when it happens? Someone else said to just paint the inside gloss white so you can see the mites?


Thanks

[BUFFS]

get it coated with the creocote now as this will stop them getting a hold onto the coop,easier to keep them out than try to get rid of them,and dont be mean when applying it,put a good coat on as this can be thought of as insurance against the beasties...

[MaureenHall]

Do it today Hopefully if the weather stays like it is, the smell will have almost gone by Sunday

[Hinksy]

Right Creocoted the Coop yesterday and it's all drying out very nicely...

Bedding, what do people use for Bedding and general litter for the main house and nest box? Was told Straw for the nest box and sawdust/wood shavings for the house.... Have found Poultry bedding online in Pets at home called Cozy Coop, is that any good?

And

Food, Layers mash or Layers Pellets?


Thanks

[yeti]

hi there,i use wood shavings on the floor just a thin layer,and also some in the nest boxes with just straw on top in the nest boxes,and layers pellets as the bulk of the feed and feed a little mixed corn as a treat in the afternoon about three..

[MaureenHall]

I use Hemcore in the nest boxes and on the coop floor (it composts down quick!) and straw in the run when it's really bad weather. Layers pellets right from the start, mash makes too much mess and you waste a lot. Get some mixed corn too, but only for late afternoon/early evening treats (I'm stingy with mine, they get a 250g butter/spread container half full between 21 of them ). Hang up a cabbage about 4 - 6" above head height to give them some fun and exercise as well as producing lovely orangey yolks

[Hinksy]

Thanks for the help and advice, it's much appreciated.

Grit, we took a trip to Pets at Home yesterday and because I did'nt know what grot to get, Oyster or Hard mixed.... well we got both, which one do we actually need though? or do I just use both?

Thanks

[matthew2riches]

Any grit will do... mine normally take up any little bits off the floor from the soil. I haven't really ever given them grit.

If you're using layers mash, you don't need to feed them grit either.

[Hilary B]

Oyster shell makes egg shells, the other grit is what they use instead of teeth, to grind up the food. Both useful but in different ways.
Layers' pellets should contain enough oyster shell (or an alternative) for the egg shells (normally) but if they are getting whole grain, they will need some 'hard' grit.