Noob alert...

Discussion in 'Livestock' started by Sarah Giles, Feb 19, 2015.

  1. Sarah Giles

    Sarah Giles Gardener

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    Hi all, I'm new to the site so be gentle, LOL!
    We have a decent size garden so have decided to get some chickens. I'm looking at the possibility of rescuing some ex battery hens, as recommended by a friend of mine. Is there anything specific I should be wary of with this?

    The coop I've ordered is the feelgood CH14 which says is 'large' 160cm by 75cm) any idea how many can happily/comfortably fit in there max? They will have free roam of the garden during the day which is about 6m by 10m at a rough guess.

    Any advice would be appreciated :)
     
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    • Freddy

      Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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      Hello Sarah and welcome :dbgrtmb:
       
    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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      Hi Sarah, welcome to Gardeners Corner:thumbsup::snork:
       
    • Lolimac

      Lolimac Guest

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      Welcome to GC Sarah:dbgrtmb:...At a guess from the dimensions I'd say 3 maybe 4 chooks at the most:chicken:...I'd be inclined also to maybe add a bit more security ,you can't be too careful. I know it states 'fox proof' latches but they don't call them sly foxes for nothing.Keep us posted on your new chooks and enjoy them you'll wonder what you did without them,great characters:chicken::wub2:
       
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      • Jenny namaste

        Jenny namaste Total Gardener

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        :sign0016: to Gardeners Corner Sarah.
        Always room for another chook keeper here. Looking forward to seeing you around the Forums,
        Jenny namaste
         
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        • joolz68

          joolz68 Total Gardener

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          Hi sarah:) Another hen fan here :blue thumb:
          images (6).jpg
           
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          • Beckie76

            Beckie76 Total Gardener

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            Hi Sarah,welcome to the forum!
            I'm chicken nuts too!!! I only have four hens at the moment, 3 posh hens & 1 ex battery hen! I can't wait to hear all about your girls when you get them & we might fit in a natter about your garden too!!! :heehee:
             
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            • Sarah Giles

              Sarah Giles Gardener

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              So excited. Spoke to the British Hen Welfare trust today and confirmed a reservation for four hens. They're being rescued on the 7th march and we're picking them up from Coventry.

              So excited! Should be getting the coop over the weekend, and think I'm going to get the extension run for it as well so they have more space. :)
               
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              • ARMANDII

                ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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                [​IMG]
                 
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                • Phil A

                  Phil A Guest

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                  Welcome to Gardeners Corner :sign0016:
                   
                • Autumn bliss

                  Autumn bliss Total Gardener

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                • Beckie76

                  Beckie76 Total Gardener

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                  :chicken::chicken::chicken::chicken:
                  Brilliant news Sarah :dbgrtmb:. The British hen welfare trust are brilliant, that's who I get my ex batts from:yes: when you go to get your hens you will need two boxes or two cat carriers to collect them in, I'm sure they have already told you that but just wanted to make sure.
                  Just to give you a few more tips ( I wish someone had given me this list before I got my first hens!!) I'd advise that you have 2 drinkers (you will have a bottom hen & sometimes the others will bully her, if there's 2 drinkers she will always be able to get a drink!)
                  I always buy Small holder CRUMBLE not pellets, ex batts are fed crumbled food on the farm & they don't recognise the pellets at least at first!
                  Red spider mite powder is a must I cover my hen coops in this stuff!!! I'm told if the hens get red spider mite it's a nightmare!
                  Apple cider vinegar for hens! It's a tonic to go in their water, very good for them & I find it's really good when they are moulting!
                  Flubenvet wormer don't buy the herbal one it doesn't work!
                  Anti peck spray, to spray on your girls if they are pecking at each other! They will do this to start with because they have to establish a pecking order!
                  I hope that helps you Sarah (& I'm not being a busy body!) although I'm sure you are aware of all of those things! If I can be any help at all then please just ask, there are other hen keepers on here who I know will also help you. I'm feeling very excited about you getting your girls :chicken::chicken::chicken::chicken:
                   
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                  • Sarah Giles

                    Sarah Giles Gardener

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                    That's great advice, thank you! It's all new to me to everything helps! I'm learning more and more every day and I haven't even got them yet! :)
                     
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                    • Beckie76

                      Beckie76 Total Gardener

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                      You are more than welcome Sarah. I'm really excited about you getting them, I can just imagine them now in the horrid barn & soon they will be in their retirement in your garden.....what a lovely thought! :):chicken::chicken::chicken::chicken:
                       
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                      • Lolimac

                        Lolimac Guest

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                        Don't forget to put plenty of piccies up on the 'livestock' thread:thumbsup: @Sarah Giles .I can't wait to see them:chicken::dancy:
                         
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