AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Hi everyone, I just joined as I found the wealth of information and the friendly, helpful members so inspiring. My husband and I have been helping look after a friends 20 chooks for a couple of years now, so have picked up useful tips, but of course we have more questions now we have decided to get our own. Having found this forum I spent three hours reading lots of topics and taking notes - not what I was supposed to be spending my time on but it became addictive! I still have a big question, though - what breed should we select? And how do we track some down, assured we have used a reputable breeder who has cared for them, vaccinated them etc? My friend with the chooks just gets whatever is available when he needs to top up with new hens - he mentioned that Isa Browns are very productive but for a shorter period, whilst the "Black ones" stay laying for longer. There's only the two of us, so we don't need masses of eggs, so I was thinking of three modest-rate long-layers with a calm, friendly personality (as we want eggs and new companions!).

We have collected free and recycled materials to build a coop of timber (will need to dust for mites) and corrugated iron, about 2m x 1.5m, off the ground by 1m with the area underneath protected so they can use it for dustbaths. We plan 3 external nesting boxes (so additional to the coop space). We'll need to buy the roof materials and guttering to a rainwater butt. Any thoughts on corrugated iron v timber roof? Someone suggested a strip of clear PVC to let the sunlight through to deter mites - is this a good idea? We can get half a dozen frosts each winter here (in a normal year, whatever that is!). Should we insulate the roof? The coop floor will be timber with shredded paper bedding. The permanent run attached will be about 3m x 2m and they can also free range in the garden 4 days of the week (when I don't work). The veggie patch is already caged off to save it from possums and abundant local birdlife, so no problems there.

Australorps look and sound great - should we aim for standard or bantams or does it not matter? Would this breed suit? I guess it'll be another month or two before construction is complete - does it get harder to source POL pullets in the winter? What age should we get them? I don't mind getting them a bit before they are due to start laying, as I figure they would get used to us and be friendly. Getting chicks though seems a bit tricky for such relative newbies. What vaccintations should they have had? I read that Marek's Disease and I.L.T. should be at 1 day old. Also seen Newcastles's Disease, Coryza and worming mentioned. Should all this have been done? And is it usual to just take the seller's word for it? I don't want to offend anyone! Apologies for the long message and lots of questions....... Very excited at the thought of finally getting the girls!!!

and

Chooks and this forum are an addiction!!!

Personally I would try and go for immunised purebreeds as they are hardier and have longer life spans than commercial hybrids, you would just need to research what breed will suit you best and reputable breeders in your area, make sure that their pens are clean and aren't over crowded and the chooks look healthy.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7257&hilit=buying+chickens

There are lots of examples of coops and pens and flooring on the forum, I wouldn't use shredded paper, non toxic wood shavings, organic sugar cane, materials that are more absorbent.

Hi Bobkat

And just like PP said, chooks & this forum ARE very addictive.

I have to say it sounds like you are doing this the right way round (i.e.: research first, then purchasing chicken), me I bought my girls then had a Hugh learning curve due to buying a sick chook. So that was lesson no.1. Make sure you ask the questions (even cone up with a list before going to a breeder. 2nd, ask if anyone knows of a reputable breeder in your area, as you can't beat word of mouth.

Below is a good website to look up if you are trying to research which chook to get. I am using it to help me decide which chhok to get next. I'm torn between a white leghorn (nicknamed The Ultimate Egg Machine or a Barnevelder - Egg production over looks!, I'm so torn).

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/ ... hooks.html

Another good site, if your after chicken coup ideas is: http://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops

I love looking through the different chicken coups. I have my eye on a cross between:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/kicho ... icken-coop. And,
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-t ... icken-coop

but ultimately I would love, love love a bigger version of:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/my-mi ... risis-coop

I got my girls at POL, but they still took about 4weeks before we got our first egg, but that was cool, because that gave them time to get a little routine in place (this is very important) & also time to get used to me handling them. I pick them up a lot, so they get used to me walking around near them and being close to them. Like one of the pack/crew/gang.

Hope this has helped. And don't hesitate to ask more questions.
Cheers
Chicka-Dee

Bobkat.

I agree with PP I wouldn't use shredded paper. It just isn't as absorbent as other things. I use wood shavings, deep litter method, and that has been working great.

None of my girls are immunised and I feel a bit guilty about that. I had been told that small isolated flocks should be fine. My flock is increasing though.

I have three standard Australorps and they are lovely friendly girls. A good choice.

Chicka-Dee that is an amazing chicken house. I would go Barnevelder over Leghorn. My three have been great layers. Very independent girls who love to forage. The feather colours are an added bonus.

I know right!


That "mid life crisis coop" is out of this world.

I'm with you Johs I am leaning towards a Barney, they are gorgeous. And if they are good layers then that will make my hubby happy as he just wants eggs. He's not into looks (that's where I got lucky, lol), so now i just have to find a breeder.

I'm actually at my chook limit according to my local council, but surely one more wont hurt!

Sorry Bobkat, I went off topic there!

But, back to what you said about the shredded paper, I'm with Johs on this one. Don't use the shredded paper. I have found the wood shaving to be excellent. The absorb the majority of the smell, they are easy to clean up & they are less likely to attract mites.

Cheers
Chicka-Dee