We have sold chickens from Manor Farm since 1933 and will happily advise you and talk you through setting up your chicken coop.
You will need a hut and run, and to choose which variety of chickens you would like (we will show you our available varieties so you can pick). We then supply a starter kit consisting of feeder, drinker, 25kg bag of layers meal, wood-shavings, and straw for £28 and that is everything you will need to get started. We also have a complete starter pack with 2 hens for £230.
We strongly recommend the layers meal for your chickens as this provides all their feeding requirements and to leave it freely available as they 'nibble' all day long! We also suggest a handful of mixed corn or chicken treats in the afternoon/evening as a bit of added interest and of course left overs always go down well such as rice, pasta, ripe fruit etc. It is also important to have various objects to keep them from getting bored especially if they are to be confined to the run for long periods of time.
We advise that on the day you first get your chickens you keep them in the hut (providing the weather is not too hot) until the next morning and then let them out into the run. Do not let them out of the run for at least 5 days after which you can let them out as you please and they will always go back in as it gets dark in the evening.
Problems and illnesses are few and far between in domestic chicken keeping and the only condition we advise to prevent against is red mite as once they take hold they can be very difficult to clear, the treatment for this involves monthly dusting with red mite powder preferably at dusk. For any other problems that may occur, we are happy for you to call us at any time and we will do all we can to help.
Keeping chickens is very rewarding and many of our customers come back and say they wish they had done it years ago as the chickens don't just provide eggs, they also insist on being part of the family!
Housing
Chickens should be given a floor space of no less than one square foot per bird (large fowl) or 8" square for bantams.The more space they are given, the better though bear in mind that much of their time will spent sheltering from the elements in the hen-house. Perches should allow a minimum of 9" for large birds and 6" for bantams and should be at least 2" wide.
To deter vermin from nesting underneath the coop, make sure to have it slightly raised off the ground and be sure to clean inside once a week to prevent red mite from nesting.
Essential in the hen-house are perches for roosting, nest boxes placed in the darkest areas of the coop for hens to lay eggs and plenty of straw or shavings for bedding. Hay is not recommended as it contains mould spores which can cause respiratory problems with the hens.
Adequate ventilation is also important and can be sorted with a simple 2.5cm square over a small opening at the top of the coop to minimise the risk of draughts.
Don't forget the danger posed by foxes, ensure the coop has a strong bolt and the pop hole is shut every night.
Feed
Layers meal the most popular feed for egg-producing hens. Layers meal provides all of the nutrients required for healthy hens. The feed provides all the vitamins, minerals (including Calcium) and natural ingredients needed for a good sized egg with a natural golden yolk colour.
Mixed grain can be given as a treat, which can be given fed off the hand. They will also enjoy vegetable and fruit peelings and greenery such as grass, which boosts omega-3 levels in the eggs and helps lower cholesterol.
Please don't give them potato peelings or bread as it upsets their stomach!
