Getting started & excited!

[laub82]

Hi everyone, I am totally new to this!! I live in the U.K. and am getting some hens for my back garden, my kids can't wait! I'm having a run built to make sure it's fox proof and enough space. The area I'm planning on using is half of my raises veggie patch, so therefore it is an earth floor, will this be ok? I've also been told horror stories about Red Mite! Any advice I would be very very grateful! Thank you

 

[BYCforlife]

Hello!

! Glad you could join us. A dirt floor is fine, just keep in mind that it will get muddier in there if it rains.

I have never had bug problems, but the birds will have a dust bath if needed.

 

[laub82]

Thank you!! The ground doesn't seem to get 'boggy' and the run is going to have a roof on it. Is there anything I should put down on the floor too? Do you have any top tips!?

 

[BYCforlife]

You could put wood shavings down, but I think it would be useless if you have a natural floor!

 

[laub82]

So just mud is ok? Sorry I just want it to be perfect for them!! What do think is best for in the coop?

 

[BYCforlife]

I built a coop with no bottom, and it keeps rain out ok. If you want a little better, you can always put hay or wood shavings over the dirt. (Hay probably will not get wet as fast)

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under laub82

Welcome!

I recommend a visit to the Learning Centre; lots of good tips there: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

We have a covered run and experience torrential, sub tropical rain during our summers with the area surrounding the coop going under water. Because the run is covered, I utilise the deep litter method in the run which has done a pretty good job of keeping the girls dry; it is like their own little island

The coop is elevated.

My only concern about the veggie garden would be if fertilizers or chemicals have been added in the past.

With regards to lice and mites, you might find this thread interesting and/or helpful: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...week-lice-and-mites-prevention-and-treatments

Good luck and please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have; we are happy to help.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to touch base on the UK members thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/655508/uk-member-please-say-hi/2870

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock when they arrive, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[laub82]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Everyone I speak to is very negative about keeping chickens, saying they are a nightmare and you will get rats and they smell!?
I'm only getting 4????

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!
Don't leave any food around for the rats to come to eat.
Pick up the food at night.