The Poultry Keeper

Aussie Chick · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 5:10 pm Post subject: What to do first?

Hi,

This is a pretty general post as I'm getting my chookies tomorrow and I'm just so excited I had to tell you guys.

I don't know if you remember me form PP, but I was having the dilemma about what chicks to get, anyway I have decided to go with 2 Marans. They are from a fairly local lady and she thinks they are about 10 weeks old. They were about 6 weeks when I saw them first. She hasn't given them any wormers/vaccinations etc and my first question is what should I do? Do I worm?

Secondly, I am getting a converted Rabbit Hutch, so imagine a rabbit hutch, its off the group with a wooden base and is split into three sections. The first third (on the left) is closed in for sleeping and laying,( I have shavings for the floor) with a small door ( opened all the time) into the other two thirds. The two thirds has a chicken wired front and a waterproof, hinged roof that covers the whole house. ( I will straw the floor), they are mainly going to be freerange in my small garden.

So My question here is do I need to get a door to cover the hole for night time (I read that foxes can chew through chicken wire)?

I'm sorry this is such a long post but I just can't wait to get them and want them to be safe and happy.
Thanks for your replies.

Aussie Chick. blob5

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

I would at least worm them. I would not worry about vaccinations just yet. As long as they are healthy to start and not going to be exposed to other chickens, it should be fine. Vaccinations are live vaccines....this can sometimes pose a problem...went through torture over this myself.

I would however, get some general antibiotics to keep on hand. Some Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), to add to their water to help with the moving stress and maybe some diatom to curb the worms, after they have been wormed.

The rabbit hutch sounds wonderful. Yes, I would get a door put on for it. I do not deal with foxes here, but from what I have read they are very insistant on getting into things.

Pics when you can please! Very Happy

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Hello again, I'm so pleased for you. How big is the rabbit hutch? I ask because sometimes it is better to get 3 girls, so that if something does happen to one of them you don't have a lonely girl left. If there is sufficient head room, I would try to put a perch in the sleeping part, even if it is only a couple of inches off the floor, so that they don't sit in their poo ~ they do a lot of it at night, or at least it seems like they do because its all in one place !
Is it possible to make a small run for the hutch so that if you're not able to free range them then they can still get outside? I would be inclined to try to close up some of the mesh door. Maybe you could put a plywood face on the bottom part of it, leaving maybe 4inches at the top with mesh. And if you're still concerned about the mesh then get a piece of weld mesh to put over the other ~ it is so much stronger. That's all I can think of right now, let us know how it goes tomorrow when the girls arrive.

nigel · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 5:26 pm Post subject:

Like Deb I would worm them, but I'd probably hang on till they are at the 16 week stage and on layers then worm, but I don't think it makes a big difference either way. You can buy layer pellets with wormer (flubenvet) added at the correct dosage is the only reason that I'd be tempted to wait.

I would also put a pop hole type door on, you can never be too careful with foxes.

Tha Cider Apple Vinager at 2% is a good idea as well.

Nigel

Aussie Chick · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 5:48 pm Post subject:

I'm hoping the chicks are still as healthy as they were three weeks ago. Fingers crossed. They were really cute then.

I will get some ACV thanks Deb.

My garden has 6 ft fences all the way round, we haven't had foxes in the garden before but we haven't had chickens either, I would rather be safe than sorry.

The House is 6x3x2 feet. I can adapt it and put a run on it if it turns out not to be big enough. The sleeping part has a perch, there's plenty of head space, actually I think the man said he has put a perch all the way through it. ( Hope that's ok).

I'll post pics.

Right off to work, catch up tomorrow.
Thanks for your replies,

AC

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

look forward to lots of pictures of the house and your girls

Knobby · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:05 pm Post subject:

bird_babe · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 473 Location: wales

might I suggest some louse powder to be on the safe side.
they can make young bird ill if they have any.
good luck with your girls. BB

NannyP · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:14 pm Post subject:

I don't have any advice other than what has already been said, but good luck, and I'm excited to Wink

nigel · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:47 pm Post subject:

Knobby · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:48 pm Post subject:

Thats a good idea....do u know the make ??

nigel · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:51 pm Post subject:

Sorry Knobby I don't I just ask for it and they weigh out how much I need.

You could ask if your store stock it next time you're shopping.

Knobby · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:52 pm Post subject:

I will....thanks for that ! Very Happy

Aussie Chick · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:16 pm Post subject:

Lisa · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:21 pm Post subject:

Hi Aussie_Chick,

Congrats on your imminent arrival tomorrow Very Happy

I think Bird_Babe probably meant that lice could be serious news. Ie a bad investation of lice or mites can make a chook rather ill...

Looking forward to some piccies of your new girls!

Anymore questions, you know where we all are Very Happy

hth,
Lis