The Poultry Keeper

Aussie Chick · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 2:36 pm Post subject: Positioning of Hen House

Hi,
I'm getting a converted Rabbit Hutch ( much bigger) but still with a floor in it. Can you please tell me which direction it should be facing. Can I have it South facing or will this be too hot for my girls? Also am I best to put straw on the bottom of it for them to scratch in?

thanks,
Aussie Chick

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Face the door south....to keep the winter winds from ripping through it. That's my thought at least. I use straw, just for the ease of cleaning. Yes, they will want to scratch around in it. Do you have some diatom to put in there also? Good for controlling odors and if the girls eat it, good for controlling worms...win-win situation.

Aussie Chick · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 5:26 pm Post subject:

Thanks Deb,
I haven't collected my chickens yet, I'm hoping the man who's making the house with finish it this week and then I can get them by Friday. Fingers crossed.
What's diatom? I haven't searched the word on google, but I don't know what it is.

Thanks,
AC

NannyP · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 5:28 pm Post subject:

I think it's known as Diatomous Earth (or something like that), there was a long thread about it on PP forum, which if you are still a member you could search for.
I use it, it's microscopic sharp bit's of (I can't remember what) which break through the skin of worms and other pests. This is a bad explaination, go and have a search on PP, or wait for someone who know's better to tell you Laughing

This is from www.sprcentre.co.uk
DIATOM

We now have a Brand New Addition to the family called, DIATOM, which may be used in conjunction with Poultry shield. This product is produced in a fine granular form and when added to the animal bedding or floor, it assists in further controlling of Red Mite and many other parasites. It has high absorbent qualities and helps control unpleasant odours . It can be dusted on pigs, put in poultry dust baths or rubbed well into coats of horses and household pets, against fleas, lice and red mite. It can be used as a dust spray to control massed flies in fields and on manure and compost heaps. Dust at the rate of 10 kilos per acre in quiet air. DIATOM is a natural product and is formed from millions of microscopic single cell algae. It can be fed safely to all animals or used as a dust spray for parasite control, the action being strictly mechanical. Its microscopically sharp edges pierce the protective coating of the organisms. The parasites dry out in a few hours and die.

For liquid sprays, mix 1 kg per 5 litres of clean water and agitate while using.

DIATOM can be used as a feed supplement.

1) Increases digestibility of the feed.

2) Helps in supplying adequate minerals.

3) Aids in a greater utilization of feed value, it will save on feed as less passes through the large intestine as waste matter.

4) Causes noticeable better health in animals with less sickness and a faster growth gain for the table market.

5) An absence of internal parasites in the intestines and faeces of animals.

6) An effective wormer because worms and soft bodied insects are unable to withstand the killing action of Diatom.

7) Contains many mineral traces making it acceptable for animal nutrition.

Feeding Rates.

5% Poultry feed. 2% Pigs, Goats and Sheep. 5oz in Horse Rations and one large heaped teaspoonful per day for dogs over 25Kg. For smaller dogs and cats, one level teaspoon per day in their feed.

Sizes 500 gram Shaker - £6.99 + p&p £2.50. 2Kg Tub - £19.65 + p&p £5.00.

Aussie Chick · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 8:39 pm Post subject:

Thanks Nanny P,
I'll look at PP now.
i'm getting my chickens from a local farmers wife. I'll check if she has vacinated them against the other nasties.
AC