Essential shopping list

[LoopyLoopsChupaChups]

DH is going to a big agricultural shop tomorrow to get everything we need for the hens.

So, what would that be then? Thanks. :)

anyone?

Grit. One of the most important things you need.

Layers mash or pellets.

I presume you have feeders and drink containers.

Poultry shield (for cleaning)

Apple cider vinegar (not essential - just good for health)

Poultry Spice (" " ")

Purple gentian spray (for injuries)

Egg boxes!!!

Red Mite and Lice Powder (especially this time of year)

Straw.

Aubiose/Hemcore (for coop/run)

Excellent, thank you.

We have literally nothing other than the coop at the moment. What size feeders etc. do you think? 4 hens (ex batts so will be getting the special food to begin with).

Get the standard size but more than one. We have four hens and two Omlet feeders that fix on the side of their run and two 'Glugs' which also fixes on the side to hold water. Water is very important so maybe buy big ones of those.

Good luck....forgot: garlic powder..it helps their poo not smell quite so much but more importantly has lots of health benefits....

ive got ex batts and they are lovely. it is very rewarding to see them discover life outside and to see them flourishing daily
i would recommend metal drinking containers. we used to use open bowls and then plastic drinkers but would occasionally find them tipped over and the girls without a drink. we bought a metal one, it was about £25, but we have had it years
start asking family, friends and neighbours to give you their empty egg boxes. you will soon be inundated with egg boxes as people hope like to be given fresh eggs
make sure you have a good ramp for them to get into the coop. their legs may not be strong enough to hop/jump even over a small step for a few weeks

by metal i meant galvanised steel. it will not rust. we raise their drinker and feeding bowl slightly off the ground eg on an old patio slab. this limits the mud getting into them
in the early day i would also use an open bowl, anything really like a dog bowl or old container with water in so they get used to that as well
make sure they have a shelter from rain and sun that they can go to. in the early days you may have to go and move them into the shelter as they are not used to using their initiative and may just stand in rain. the same with showing them how to get into their coop at night time. they will very quickly learn though
we bought a cheap sun umberella from morrisons for £5 a few years ago which we use if they are out in the garden and its very hot. if you put food and water in the shade of the umberella they will go there as well as exploring/wrecking your garden