Hey.... Lets keep Chickens..!

ginnyknit

I would have one feeder each - I just use sturdy bowls. And have a scan through the rest of the thread theres lots of advice on there! I know you will fall in love with the scraggy old things and watch as they blossom into beautiful feathery balls of trouble

canspendnomore

I've seen some open bowls that fix to the side of the run and some that sit on the ground (a bit like a bird feeder). Which would be best and would I be better with 3 for water too. Oooh it's getting even more exciting - better than having a baby!!!

Gigervamp

I've found with my girls that they tend to use their beaks to scatter the food onto the floor and eat it from the ground, regardless of whether it's in a hanging feeder, or on the ground in a bowl, so I don't think it really matters which type you go for. Having said that, if you're going to be keeping them in a run, floor space is limited so I'd opt for either hanging feeders or clip on ones rather than a bowl.

WEEZE210_2

We got 4 chickens last night from a local farm. Doris, Gertrude, Mable and Florence. Not sure what breed they are but they are all lovely. We had our first egg this morning, I was so excited I had to phone several people and tell them! We just gave them some veg last night and water. I've given them the leaves off my dug up carrots this morning and they are loving them! I'm off to the local pet shop in a minute to buy some food.

Weeze x

canspendnomore

Gigervamp wrote: »

I've found with my girls that they tend to use their beaks to scatter the food onto the floor and eat it from the ground, regardless of whether it's in a hanging feeder, or on the ground in a bowl, so I don't think it really matters which type you go for. Having said that, if you're going to be keeping them in a run, floor space is limited so I'd opt for either hanging feeders or clip on ones rather than a bowl.

I've been advised to keep them in the run initially as they might be freaked out by having too much space, they'll be out in the garden if I'm around to supervise. I am buying a coop for up to 7 hens so the 3 will have plenty of space so I'm happy to leave them in there if I go out and I know they'll be safe.

Gigervamp

WEEZE210 wrote: »

We got 4 chickens last night from a local farm. Doris, Gertrude, Mable and Florence. Not sure what breed they are but they are all lovely. We had our first egg this morning, I was so excited I had to phone several people and tell them! We just gave them some veg last night and water. I've given them the leaves off my dug up carrots this morning and they are loving them! I'm off to the local pet shop in a minute to buy some food.

Weeze x

I've never seen layers pellets in pet shops. I get mine from Countrywide or the local agricultural supplies place.

salthepal

I've seen layers pellets at Pets at Home - more expensive though.

WEEZE210_2

I bought some from my local pet shop. I also got couple of feeders. When I got home I put the girls some in and they went mad for them. I also bought some mixed corn which they had a bit of for supper last night, they loved that too! We had them running round the garden last night while I cleaned the coop out. When I had finished they all just trotted back in again! I gave them the corn and left them for a while and when I went back they had put themselves to bed, what good girlys I've got!!! I got them up this morning and gave them fresh water and some more pellets which they are still tucking into. Does this all sound ok? Am I doing it right?

Weeze x

ginnyknit

That sound right, but remember corn is like sweeties to chickens, only to be used as a treat, or they get fat and don't lay. I pour a spoonful of cod liver oil over their morning feed - 3 quid at Mr T's - and that keeps them healthy. Don't you just love the fact that they decide when its bedtime!

mine are very vocal this morning - don't know if they are about to lay a big egg or are just being a pain

WEEZE210_2

I didn't realise corn should only be used as a treat, it must be like peanuts are to my parrot. I'll still give it to them in an evening but only a very small amount. Also my nextdoor neighbour said when her dad hd chickens he used to put some sort of powder on boiled up potato peeling. He used to get this powder from the pet shop, any idea what it was?

Weeze x