My New Chicken Shopping List

Now I have my lovely three ladies, I decided that although the most helpful and ever patient Jo at Merrydale Poultry, (yes, I am promoting them again) provided me with all the essentials, there are still one or two things I think I need.  In the true style of the childishly excited, I happily compiled the following list;

• Two dustbins with lockable lids for straw and easichick. (Different colour for each or matching?)
• Container and scoop for Layers Pellets
• Scraper for the endless poop
• Latch for hen house (am a little paranoid about Mr Fox wanting to eat my girls)
• Padlock for nest box (see above)
• Plastic toolbox for cleaning kit (indulge me, I am an excited beginner)
• Plastic jug for preparing water and apple cider vinegar, (ACV)
• Plastic measuring spoon, for measuring ACV
• Hooks and chains for feeder and drinker
• Cleaning brush

This list, though incredibly exciting, is by no means exhaustive.  I keep thinking of other things my chickens may need to keep them healthy and happy.  In fact, one absolutely essential thing I have neglected to put on my list is a wormer.  This is something which needs to be done monthly, so I have a little time in which to acquire it.  Still, it should have been on the list.

I am pleased to report that since compiling my Chicken List, I have managed to secure my little cleaning kit and toolbox, a padlock and chains for the feeder and drinkers.  I did start by putting the drinker on the ground, but of course they pooped in it, so it is now hanging above bottom height.  The feeder I suspended from day one as this prevents the inevitable poop and also stops them from knocking it over and reduces the wasting and scattering of food.

Another advantage of hanging them on metal clips is that at night when they take themselves off to bed, I can remove the feeder and drinker easily for cleaning and replenishing the next day.

Now at the risk of being labelled sexist, which I assure you I am not, one of the wonderful things about keeping chickens, or, I suppose, anything else which requires a range of equipment is that you can get some really lovely things to store it all in. If I may direct your attention to the list above, you will notice that one of the things I need is a storage container and scoop for the pellets.  I could of course simply buy a plastic tub with a lid or just keep them in the tub they came in.  

Now ladies, (and possibly gentlemen), I ask you, where is the fun in that? 

On a trip to Glebe Garden Centre the other week, I stumbled across a gorgeous large tin type container which would be perfect for the pellet job!  It even comes with a matching scoop which rather quaintly hangs on its own little hook at the side of the container!  The fact that it says 'Laundry' on it is a minor concern which is easily eliminated by the simple act of turning it around.  Sorted!  I could of course search the interweb for specific chicken acoutrements, but I believe there is a limit to the amount of chicken-ness in one's home which can be considered acceptable.  

Of course the cockerel kitchen roll holder is tastefulness itself and it is pure coincidence that the chickens garlic powder happens to be stored in a small pot featuring an understated picture of a chicken.