The Poultry Keeper

Gilly C · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2177 Location: South Cumbria

I used buckets with lids that had fence paint in the water soluble kind after a good wash they were fine and free Very Happy

Dopey · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:27 pm Post subject:

Feeder

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 2626 Location: Monmouthshire

Dog bowl or even round washing up bowls are the preferred drinkers for my hens (yes, I've got a lot of the proper jobs too). If anybody has the strength to do it, an old tyre, cut in half makes two excellent circular feeders - old wheelbarrow tyres are good for this. If you have ex battery birds feed them ONLY what they have been used to for the first week. They've been stressed enough without a change of diet. That means layers mash and plain water.

bailey-bops07 · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Dorset

Hi, thanks very much, all your info and ideas have been great. Gone out today and got essentials, feeders, food etc (might have a go at the tyres as have a few lying about). Just wanted to ask one more question, is Diatom the same as Super Red Mite Powder?? I can't seem to find Diatom anywhere locally, nobody local has ever heard of it but everyone has Super Red Mite Powder. So far, I can only get Diatom from eBay!!

chicken_house_man · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 87 Location: Brynmawr

Hi.

Decent feeder for less than £20?
I stock a 5kg galvanised feeder with a rainshield for £16.99, or £9.59 without.
http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/poultry_feeders.htm

CP · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:38 am Post subject:

Whatever you do don't get one of those enamelled 'fountain' drinkers. They go rusty very quickly. Mad

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 1505 Location: norfolk

Hi Bailey-bops07 You can get Mitex which is a trade name for diatomaceous earth, from Quill Productions at Pulham near Dorchester telephone 01258 818239 or Animalaids at Wincanton on 01963 33083 not sure of that last number but the name and place is right.

HTH

bailey-bops07 · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Dorset

Thanks very much for the info. So can I just clarify, I know I'm being really thick, can I use Mitex for mites and worming or just on mites.?? I've found various trade names for diatomaceous earth but the all seem to only treat mites, but the product called Diatom is for both! The more i read on here and other sites the more baffled i'm becoming!! withstupid

I just want one thing that does it all to try to simplify things a bit.

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 1505 Location: norfolk

I can't answer that - sorry. I checked my puffer bottle and it didn't mention putting it in feed but you could call the makers. Agil. They are in Reading and their number is 0118 9813333.

El Pollo Diablo · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject:

If your run is uncovered (and even if it has a roof) it is worth getting a decent feeder with a cover. I used bowls (they kicked the pellets all over floor, it rained, they went manky) then a plastic feeder (ditto) then got one of the galvanised ones it was well worth it.

£12 for vinegar seems outrageous. It's not an essential anyway. I have a surplus of apples so make my own cider (and sometimes vinegar unfortunately Embarassed

) but surely you could buy cheap cider and leave it to go off Very Happy