The Poultry Keeper

Heather · Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 8:41 am Post subject: Help please !

Hi

I am getting my chicken house today wav

- What else do I need to get ? I know a feeder , a drinker , food - what sort of bedding etc ?

Also my friend is offering to buy me 2 chickens from the show - but I am worried about when I get the other 2 - will they fight - because I won't have anywhere else to put them

TIA for any help

Heather xx

jaydee67 · Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:53 am Post subject:

I use wood shavings on the floor and in the nest boxes Heather. You may decide you want acv and/ or vitamins like poultry booster - these may be available at the show.

Do you have a pet carrier you could put the new birds in? I can't remember what birds you have - where are you keeping them at the moment? Can it be used for the new birds?

It would be a good idea to keep the new birds isolated for a few days to make sure they are not carrying any disease into your flock, but I know not everyone does this.

When you put the birds together, put them together at night. There will be some initial pecking order etablishing - but keep an eye on it, so long as no one is bleeding leave them to it, it will settle once they decide who's boss.

Hope that helps, good luck - have fun choosing your new birds - you have a good friend! HAve a great day!

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Ooooo, new house, new house!!!!!!!!

How cool! Cool

Heather · Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 6:40 pm Post subject:

I have no birds as yet Jaydee - these would have been my first ones - but getting the boys ready took so Long that all the best ones were sold angel13

x 2

!

House is coming tomorrow evening though Very Happy

and we came home with a cute baby mini lop rabbit for the twins 2nd birthday - it's really tame already

I can now take my time over choosing my hens - wasn't really sure about getting them from the show TBH - but it's all exciting blob2

debcat · Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 7:02 pm Post subject:

What house did you get??
and
what hens are you thinking of???

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

For introducing new birds, if you are getting two now and two later.

If you are going to get 2 bantams and 2 large breed, get the bantams first so that the little ones have control of the coop before the big ones arrive. It will make it easier (emotionally) on you when the battle for the pecking order starts. The little ones will have the upper hand and hopefully it will keep the fighting to a minimum. Can't say as it always will work, but why not try and set the stage a little. Wink