A Few Questions

[lockedhearts]

My girls and the Roo are getting ready to make their big move outside, at least to temporary digs in the barn until the run is finished.
I got the original 4 the Friday before easter and they were onyl about a week or so old. The Cochins that I got this week are about the same age.
When can I start feeding them treats? What treats are best?
When do I need to add grit and/or oyster shell?
When can I expect them to start laying?

 

[kstaven]

No need to add grit or oyster shell right now.

Starter has grit in it.
When you change to a grower or layer ration you will want to offer a bowl of grit for them to free feed from. Oyster shell is not needed until they start laying. Best to offer it free choice also. They only take what they need.

Cochins wil probably be close to six months old before they start laying.

Cooked eggs, vegetable pieces, lettuce, pasta, cooked rice, a little ground beef. Almost anything healthy we eat is ok for chickens as long as it doesn't have a bunch of salt or sugar in it. Your birds are old enough to get treats now. Sprinkle a little budgie grit on it and they will be fine.