Eggs

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jamsandwhich wrote: »

We have two hens to feed - one 2kg bag of layer pellets a month @ £2.19, one bag of mixed corn every couple of months @ £2.49 - these are the staple of their diet. Pellets are given daily on demand and a handful of corn as a treat (fattening so don't give too much) I then supplement all of this with kitchen and table leftovers (although not advised by DEFRA!) and get them the odd tin of cheap tuna to mix into veggies which lasts a week, tinned sweetcorn etc.

Other ongoing costs are cleaning fluid for the coop - I use dettol, powder for red mite and worms - I use diatom and other odd bits and pieces but it does not need to be expensive.

2kg for £2.19? I'm paying £5.80 for 20kg. Mixed corn is about £6.40 for same amount. I feed a little more corn in winter as it stays in the crop longer.

My coops and runs are knocked together out of pallets etc, though wire mesh is expensive (finding someone who works in sports ground maintenance or similar is good.)

I don't use dettol but the cheap Netto equivalent. I work on the basis that if it's antiseptic disinfectant and goes cloudy white in water it's the right stuff.

Happi

Can chucks be kept if you have cats?

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Happi wrote: »

Can chucks be kept if you have cats?

Yup. Indeed it keeps any mice/rats away if they are lurking for surplus feed.

I'd keep them separate though. Other people's experiences may differ but unless the birds are bantams or chicks, or if the cat has an attitude problem I'd say the hen would win in a fight. Depends on breeds too - some are flighty and prone to panic (Appenzellas, Hamburghs etc) , other are just plain gormless (Orpingtons).

stumpycat

Happi wrote: »

Can chucks be kept if you have cats?

Yes - we have 7 ex-battery chookies and 5 cats. We were concerned about 1 of the cats as he is a real killer (note to bird lovers - we have 5 bells on him to give the birds a chance!)
Anyway, we 'introduced' him to the boldest chicken & got her to flap her wings a bit and he's kept a safe distance ever since.

We let the chickens wander round the garden when we're there to supervise (as we have a family of foxes nearby) and they take no notice of the cats. The cats are much more cautious...

Happi

Thanks hun

I have a jealous tomcat but i think could train him

Happi

stumpycat wrote: »

Yes - we have 7 ex-battery chookies and 5 cats. We were concerned about 1 of the cats as he is a real killer (note to bird lovers - we have 5 bells on him to give the birds a chance!)
Anyway, we 'introduced' him to the boldest chicken & got her to flap her wings a bit and he's kept a safe distance ever since.

We let the chickens wander round the garden when we're there to supervise (as we have a family of foxes nearby) and they take no notice of the cats. The cats are much more cautious...

I love cats! and fox lol