Scared to death!!!

[Ger-annie-um]

We have the house, the room but not the chooks and no idea which chooks to choose or how to look after them. Been keeping an eye on this forum and you all seem to have soooooooooooo many problems. Red spider mite, prolapse, foxes, feeding, etc etc etc. I am scared to death I will not be a 'good mum'...............convince me otherwise please. what do I do, how do I do it and which are the best chooks to start with, they need to be friendly (grandchildren) but also earn their keep with good egg production. This may be the start of me being a real pain in the arse asking question after question and picking brains so answer at your peril!!

[elizajay]

Get 3 point of lay hens, hybrids are best if you want regular layers. Only give them layers pellets during the day and a handful of mixed corn in the evening. Give it by hand and they will soon become friendly. Don't worry about all the problems, best to know about them and prevent them where possible, but keeping hens is much more enjoyable than reading about their problems would indicate. The big two to look out for are red mite and worms. These are always a threat. Red mite can be prevented by regular cleaning of the house and spraying with poultry shield before it is a problem. Worms can be dealt with by giving a quarterly dose of Fubenvet available as a powder to mix with food or ready mixed with layers' pellets. The only other thing to worry about is predators and if you make sure their living quarters are secure that will help. Any other problems don't necessarily occur, but if you know about them you will recognise when they happen and deal with it appropriately.

[CaroltheCarrot]

Nooo, dont let us put you off, you can have the same problems with chooks as you can have with any other pets ( well mine are pets), yes there are things you have to consider, worming,mites etc but you would do this if you had dogs or cats
I dont keep them on a large scale, I only have 4 now but I love my chooks, yes I have had a couple die and have had to take one to the vet but they are less of a problem than my dogs and I wouldnt be without them.
They are great fun to have and extremely child friendly, I couldnt recommend a breed because there are so many and its a personal choice thing, but saying that I love my little silkie.
And the eggs taste like you wouldnt believe
Go for it

O and the only predators I have had to worry about are 2 legged ones recently

[petal]

provided you have safe accommodation(did you know a converted b and q shed is the best chicken house we have!) and fox proofed the run to the best of your ability, have some louse powder, red mite spray in your kit you can approach with confidence. 3 hybrid layers are great to start with, steer clear of pure breeds for now - they become tame quickly. obtain layers pellet, grit with added oyster shell, water and feed containers(the best we find are green and white, walk past the red and white make!) small bag of mixed corn for evening treat. I find a bag of horse bed down type shaving economical too.

[kathyd]

I think we've gone through just about every common problem there is since we got our first birds last October, but it hasn't put me off and I wouldn't be without them . And if/when things do go wrong, there's always loads of people on this forum to get your sorted out - I couldn't have done it without them . They're lovely to watch, make me laugh almost every day, and all have individual personalities (chickenalities?). I've learned so much so fast, and I'm definitely hooked. Our latest little adventure is to be hatching eggs for someone else with our broody hen - the chicks have just started to appear, and it makes all the problems so worthwhile! Just off to find a photo to post .

[chris]

The good times outweigh any negative times Definitely go for it, larger breeds seem more docile and therefore more friendly, but it's down to how you are with them - sounds obviously, but the more that you handle them when they're calm etc - the more friendlier they'll get.

I've a cross of a white leghorn - she's a small bird, extremely flighty and fast, and is only now just coming around to the idea of being held. The others are generally ok with me now, but this little girl is going to take more patience I think

[petal]

ditto: if you decide on pure breeds go for light sussex or orpingtons if you want birds that are friendly and trusting.

[lettucegrow!]

Don't be put off at all. Most chook probes are quite easily sorted and if part of the idea of keeping them is for grandchildren definitely get them. You will be surprised at how easy it all is and your grandchildren will love them and learn so much. Just be really organised and have everything in place before they arrive. Good luck.

[bearded bloke]

Fear not & get some chooks

[lettucegrow!]

A thought! It may appear that we have lots of problems but we tend to post only when we do! Not often someone posts something like," Aaah another happy day in the life of my chooks! " that's why rule the roost is busy, invaluable information resource. Go for it!
Oh, and just about to post a happy end to my chook prob!

[Ger-annie-um]

thanks everyone for responding. We are going to go for it. chook house is up, run predator proofed (well as far as possible anyway) - just sorting out the last few details, such as who looks after them when we are away and then all we need to do is find a good place to but them! Anyone know of anywhere in Gloucestershire/Monmouthshire

[jessmorris]

Good Lord! You have raised children and you're worried about keeping a few chickens?! Fear not! there's plenty of info out there, just take it slowly and be prepared!