Just starting out - What do I need and whats a waste of money?

[Hilary B]

Just remember the anti-mite applications under any removeable floor. Mites are quite happy hiding behind plastic!

[chris]

Newtothis - I use newspaper too.. I lay a whole newspaper out (Metro / freebies) after removing stables, with the sheets overlapping, then each morning take the top layer or two of sheets off and sling them in the compost bin before I goto work.. "clean sheets" if you like dialy. Saves any build up of disease, etc.. I find it easy this way, there's no trays to worry about mites, etc and you can wrap the poo up in a parcel so you don't get mucky (it's generally dry poo anyway).

[polo]

Newtothis - I use newspaper too.. I lay a whole newspaper out (Metro / freebies) after removing stables, with the sheets overlapping, then each morning take the top layer or two of sheets off and sling them in the compost bin before I goto work.. "clean sheets" if you like dialy. Saves any build up of disease, etc.. I find it easy this way, there's no trays to worry about mites, etc and you can wrap the poo up in a parcel so you don't get mucky (it's generally dry poo anyway).

But isn't it irritating that they have started stapling the Metro? Much more difficult to remove sheets!

[Newtothis]

Just completed the box bit of a Chris style coop and cut the holes for nest box and pop hole. It was a lot easier that I thought it was going to be. The screws for the hinged front are a bit long so I will have to file the points off, but otherwise a great little design.
Just need the roof and nest boxes now but they will have to wait until my next day off.
Any thoughts on how high I need to put the perch?
Don't want the hens hitting thier heads on the roof. Also will the gaps in the onuline wavy bits be enough ventilation? Or should I drill a few holes in the side?
Great design though, simple enough even for me - I can never get a shelf straight usually..

David

[chris]

Mines about 11" high. Loads of views on different threads, but as long as they can reach it I don't think it matters. Mine used to jump up a 2' difference in height to get into a tunnel to lead them into their old coop.

To determinet he height of mine, I put my largest one in the coop on the perch and lifted it up until her head was touchign the roof. Then lowered it accordingly:



They do squat down though when they roost for the night.

Edit: Oh yes, make sure they have clearence either side of the perch too.

[Newtothis]

Lovely photo Chris. What type of hen is it? Oviously a contented one.
Have you added extra ventilation or are the gaps between the side and the wavy edge of onuline enough?

David

[Suechooks]

The gaps in the Onduline should be sufficient.

[chris]

As above just the gaps. That chicken is a magpie.. very docile, but also quite a large bird! I think they're referred to as a reverse sussex by some folk?

I often wonder what sort of table weight she'd come out as

[baldrick]

Newtothis - I use newspaper too.. I lay a whole newspaper out (Metro / freebies) after removing stables, with the sheets overlapping, then each morning take the top layer or two of sheets off and sling them in the compost bin before I goto work.. "clean sheets" if you like dialy. Saves any build up of disease, etc.. I find it easy this way, there's no trays to worry about mites, etc and you can wrap the poo up in a parcel so you don't get mucky (it's generally dry poo anyway).

thats a good idea. ive just been scraping it off with a dustpan. impossible on frosty mornings! doh!

[Suechooks]

thats a good idea. ive just been scraping it off with a dustpan. impossible on frosty mornings! doh!

Get a cheap wallpaper scraper from B&Q - I'll get you one on my diamond card on next blue-rinse day if you like!

[Newtothis]

I often wonder what sort of table weight she'd come out as

Nooo don't think that way chris.....
She's too fine a bird to have dastardly meaty thoughts about.
I'm beginning to be persuaded towards some ex batts - are they OK for a first timer?

[Suechooks]

Nooo don't think that way chris.....
She's too fine a bird to have dastardly meaty thoughts about.
I'm beginning to be persuaded towards some ex batts - are they OK for a first timer?

Ex-batts are lovely but my feeling is they are better if you have a bit of experience - so you know what "normal" is. They very often can die within a few days/weeks/months and this can be daunting fo a new chicken keeper. However the reward for giving them their freedom is seeing them dust bath for the first time, scratch in the soil, chase their first fly, sunbathe and do all manner of chickeny things!
If you're limited for space and want them for a good number of eggs you're better going either for some laying hybrids or one of the utility breeds.
Its your call!