Info needed please

Peter16 · **Posted:** Fri Oct 12, 2007 8:54 pm

Hello Everyone,
i am fairly new to this and i have just started putting together the inside of my coop and i was just wondering if someone could answer this simple questions for me.
The coop floor is cement, so could i use sand to cover it? if so would sand from the each be a bad idea? (because of salt etc)

also if anayone could give me anyother relative information or helpful hints.
thankyou
regards Peter

schnapper · **Posted:** Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:26 pm

Bear in mind that whatever you use needs to be replaced periodically. What would you do with all that soiled sand?
Also, salt is not good for chooks so I wouldn't be looking at beach sand anyway.
Wood shavings (non-treated of course) seem to be the most popular choice, you can get bags from most produce stores. It also makes a great mulch when you clean out the coop!

garbage2 · **Joined:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:59 pm **Posts:** 184

Hi there,
just an idea,i use rice hulls,they come in a 120kg bag (wool bag),they seem to last forever.

They dont not absorb water so if one section gets wet it shouldnt spread,they take care of poo pretty well as well

.

$40 a bag,or there abouts

kai

jarry · **Posted:** Sat Oct 13, 2007 9:45 pm

hello peter16,
I use on the floor for my baby chicks & ducklings & keets SAWDUST,
it works great and it comes in BIG bags that last for ages, also cheep and the animals love it,
hope i can help,
jarryd

Peacocks Australia · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2002 9:14 am **Posts:** 310755

Hi Peter16, WELCOME TO THE FORUM, Hope you find the Forum Informative & Helpful. All three suggestions above are excellent and any would be ideal.

Thanks
Peacocks Australia :lol:

Peter16 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 14, 2007 6:07 pm

thanks everyone all your sugestions have helped alot but i think i will go with wood shavings or sawdust.
Just one more thing, does anyone know any breeders in the Newcastle / Hunter / and Cessknock regions and if so if you could give me some contact details.
thanks again
Peter

Jeff Trescott · **Posted:** Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:06 pm

We use dog bedding, its untreated pine shavings comes in big bags and does a good job and make great mulch.

Jeff

Peter16 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 20, 2007 8:41 pm

Hello Again,
Another quick question, When you buy 'day old chicks' do you have to keep them in a brooder
(i think they are called that, well the boxes with a heat lamp)
Until they are 6 weeks old? or becasue its spring and fairly warm here in Newcastle, that wont be neccasery?
Thanks
kinds regards
Peter

Peacocks Australia · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2002 9:14 am **Posts:** 310755

HI Peter16, Yes they will need to be in a brooder with a red heat lamp or a 100 or 150-watt normal glob will provide enough heat for a few chicks. It is a good idea to have two separate heat lamps/normal globs in the brooder in case one of the globs blow in the night. The chicks will tell you if they are not happy as they gather under the heat if it’s too cold and get away from the heat if it’s too warm. The initial temp should be around 95'F(95 degree Fahrenheit = 35 degree Celsius) for the first week then reduce it 5'F per week to 70'F (70 degree Fahrenheit = 21. degree Celsius) at 70F you can turn off the heat.

Hope this helps

Thanks
Peacocks Australia :lol:

Peter16 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 21, 2007 12:16 pm

Thanks for your help PA, would the normal 100-150watt lamp have to be painted red or could you just use it as is?

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