Talking Hens

Talking Hens Constantly moving towards greater sustainability in everything we do.
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🐓 Backyard Chicken Specialists
🐓 Chickens, feed, coops & equipment
🐓 Helpful tips & education for our customers
🐓 Merricks | Mornington Peninsula | Boon Wurrung

Prevention starts with knowing. Did you know: Chickens can get viruses too? There are 3 main viruses they can catch and ...
23/06/2026

Prevention starts with knowing.

Did you know: Chickens can get viruses too?

There are 3 main viruses they can catch and here is the first one:

Avian Infectious Bronchitis (IB):

-Low risk for older hens, but can be fatal in chicks under 5 weeks
-Vaccinated hens (e.g. Hy-Line Browns) have some protection, but not against all strains
-Spreads easily—if one hen gets it, the whole flock usually will
-Most hens recover within 3–4 weeks
-No direct treatment available for the virus
-Watch closely for secondary infections, which may need antibiotics

Common signs: sneezing, nasal discharge, raspy breathing, neck stretching, drop in egg production/quality, weight loss, paralysis, or vision issues.

Help your girls out by giving them our Vitality Booster! Shop here: https://buff.ly/8hvx9ka or head in store.

Have you ever noticed your hen looking "puffed up"? Their feathers are lifted away from the skin and they start standing...
23/06/2026

Have you ever noticed your hen looking "puffed up"? Their feathers are lifted away from the skin and they start standing like a penguin?

This (combined with lethargy) is actually a classic sign of illness or distress in a chicken and one you need to take note of!

Over the next few weeks, we are going to run through the top 3 types of illness or distress your hen might encounter over winter and what you can do about it. Stay tuned.

Tell me you have chickens without telling me...
22/06/2026

Tell me you have chickens without telling me...

New 5.0-star Review: "I love the quality of the grain ‘sustainable layer’ which I get for my chooks. The postage though ...
21/06/2026

New 5.0-star Review: "I love the quality of the grain ‘sustainable layer’ which I get for my chooks. The postage though costs more than the grain so it really is a luxury treat for my girls. We may relocate to Victoria soon so I hope to mitigate the cost then."

What if your coop could clean itself… (almost)?The deep litter method builds up bedding over time, creating a natural co...
21/06/2026

What if your coop could clean itself… (almost)?

The deep litter method builds up bedding over time, creating a natural compost layer that keeps your coop warmer, drier, and easier to manage.

Here's how to do it:

1. Start with a thick layer of bedding
2. Top it up as needed
3. Let your chickens do the turning but every now and then, get in with a rake to help them out.

Just keep an eye on moisture, it should stay dry and balanced.

Simple, low-maintenance, and effective 🐔

You can read more about the deep litter method in this blog Jason wrote: https://buff.ly/Md0LSy3

Compostability is a big factor to consider when choosing your coop bedding especially when you use the deep litter metho...
20/06/2026

Compostability is a big factor to consider when choosing your coop bedding especially when you use the deep litter method in your coop.

Wood shavings & h**p can break down quickly and compost well. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice, as it can be used to enrich your garden soil after it has served its purpose in the coop.

Do you use your used bedding as compost?

Chicken coops can be a massive breeding ground for bacteria to spread which can lead to a variety of sicknesses and infe...
19/06/2026

Chicken coops can be a massive breeding ground for bacteria to spread which can lead to a variety of sicknesses and infections in your hens. In winter, this multiplies due to the increase of rain and cold.

Choosing a bedding with natural antibacterial properties like H**p is important to help keep your hens well! H**p is more expensive than other options, but as it lasts double as long, it is a worth while investment.

You can get 3 different sized packages of H**p in store or shop online here: https://buff.ly/CPoHOkm

18/06/2026

Not all bedding is created equal…

Choosing non-toxic options like h**p and straw means no hidden chemicals : just a safe, natural environment for your flock. We even learnt the hard way when we tried out some free hardwood shavings from a joinery business. Turns out that hardwood absorbs moisture far more readily and can cause respiratory issues in hens, not to mention a very dirty coop!

We won’t be doing that again.

H**p & Straw are available in our Talking Hens store and online. Shop now, link in bio.

18/06/2026

Our Talking Hens Top 10 ❤️🐓

Keeping backyard chickens is simple when you have right tools!

Comment 🐓 below to get the full list!

Here's how we maintaining a clean and dry chicken coop in winter:Proper bedding and nesting materials play a crucial rol...
17/06/2026

Here's how we maintaining a clean and dry chicken coop in winter:

Proper bedding and nesting materials play a crucial role in creating a hygienic environment for your hens. Effective bedding absorbs moisture from manure, aiding in composting and reducing odours.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your chicken coop, along with proper bedding, ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for your hens.

Follow along for the next few posts to learn more about how you can create this environment for your hens this winter.

Address

3590 Frankston-Flinders Road
Merricks, VIC
3916

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+61406691231

Website

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