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Aussie Chick
Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Posts: 2737
Location: Milton Keynes/ Brisbane
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 Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 10:49 pm Post subject: |
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I agree Nanny P, when I got my house built I made sure the whole lid came off and the whole front opened up, so its all latched together (yes, fox proof), then all I need to do is hose/sweep while standing up, makes its easy!!!
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Pete&Jackie
Joined: 03 Sep 2005
Posts: 209
Location: Hertfordshire
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| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 10:56 pm Post subject: |
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I think this may take a while to compile, I will have a good look through what's there and as Mojo says perhaps if people give their top 5 tips or can PM me with some if they don't want to clog up this thread and then when I have something like I will send out a rough draft to 2 or 3 of you to check over.... if that's ok!
Thanks DEB!!   |
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Deb_Moderator
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 3661
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| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:10 pm Post subject: |
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Hey, no problem....glad you thought of the idea. 
Last edited by Deb_Moderator on Sun Jan 01, 2006 8:48 am; edited 1 time in total |
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debcat
Moderator
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 8856
Location: Isle of Lewis
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| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:40 pm Post subject: |
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1. Hens are addictive, get a bigger house than you think you need, otherwise you'll end up buying a new one to accomodate the next lot of hens
2. No matter how often you change their water they still prefer to drink out of a muddy puddle
3. A normally tame and plaid hen can turn into a maniac when broody
4. After a couple of pecks cats learn very quickly not to go too near.
5. If your house window or door is open they will come visiting |
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thewinkingtiger
Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 936
Location: East Yorkshire, UK
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| Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:41 am Post subject: |
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~ I think this is a fabulous idea! I know I will really benefit from it as I'm soaking up info all the time, and one place to refer to would be brilliant!
My tips as a newbie!!! (Haven't got 5 yet!!! LOL)
1 A torch or light in the hen house - really works to get them in on a night!! (An absolute darling of a time saver!)
2 Keep your cockerel in the dark until a reasonable time if in an urban area. (Mine now doesn't crow until I let him out at 9.30) Keeps you in the good books of the neighbours!
3 Check out your supplier carefully. If it doesn't feel right - it probably isn't!!! |
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Sueeltringham
Joined: 05 Aug 2005
Posts: 10
Location: Northumberland
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| Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 8:18 pm Post subject: |
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Great idea, wish this was around when I started four years ago, then I wouldn't have found out the hard and expensive way!
Here are my tips:
1. Choose your chicken supplier very carefully. For first timers, I don't think you can beat fully vaccinated hybrids, eg. Meadowsweet. If you do choose pure breds, try to get recommendations of breeders from other people. This way you should get healthy birds.
2. Choose your housing carefully, considering ease of cleaning, egg collection, movability, and buy/make one much bigger than you think you will need.
3. Don't worry too much about diet at first. They only really need layers pellets/mash (if POL), water and grit. You can work out what treats they like as you go along (keep it as treats).
4. Consider your fence carefully. Foxy will soon work our where you are and will be back again and again. We use electric netting, after learning the hard way. It's excellent if you've got the room, flexible too, you can move the run area.
5. Think about potential problems with pests before you start, eg. try not to leave food around in the run overnight(encourages rats). Make sure stocks of food are in rat proof bins. Once you have a rat problem, they are very difficult to eradicate.
Hope that helps!
Sue |
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Deb_Moderator
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 3661
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| Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 5:20 am Post subject: |
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How's this project going?
Last edited by Deb_Moderator on Sun Jan 01, 2006 8:49 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Deb_Moderator
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 3661
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2005 11:30 pm Post subject: |
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Thought I would bump this once again....you seem to be slyly avoiding it.
Last edited by Deb_Moderator on Sun Jan 01, 2006 8:49 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Deb_Moderator
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 3661
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| Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2005 6:31 am Post subject: |
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Pete&Jackie.....are you avoiding this?   Thought I would bounce it back up....you know the old saying...out of sight, out of mind.
Last edited by Deb_Moderator on Sun Jan 01, 2006 8:49 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Pete&Jackie
Joined: 03 Sep 2005
Posts: 209
Location: Hertfordshire
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| Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2005 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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Sorry Debs... With Jackie being out of action with her back... she is still nowhere near 100% and me being away a lot I just haven't had the time to even think about it yet!! 
Once things are back to a bit more like normality I will start on it... honest!!  |
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Deb_Moderator
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 3661
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| Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2005 9:50 pm Post subject: |
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No problem...just a friendly reminder and a (evil) tease.
Hope Jackie's back hurries up and heals for her. Give her our best. |
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