Anything special I need to do to prepare my chickens for laying?

[ReadingRAEnBo]

First timer here. My hens are at laying age. Besides providing nesting boxes and layer feed, do I need to do anything special? Keep them in the coop? Is there an early sign to know they're going to lay?

 

[Caoilinnkaylin]

First timer here. My hens are at laying age. Besides providing nesting boxes and layer feed, do I need to do anything special? Keep them in the coop? Is there an early sign to know they're going to lay?

No they could use a small amount of hay in the nesting box. They will go to the coop on there own a good option to make them know where to lay us using fake eggs or golf balls.

 

[ReadingRAEnBo]

No they could use a small amount of hay in the nesting box. They will go to the coop on there own a good option to make them know where to lay us using fake eggs or golf balls.

Shoot, I knew I forgot something! I was going to buy ping pong balls. Those would work?

 

[aart]

Best not to start layer feed until they are all laying.
Many of us never feed layer feed, just provide Oyster Shells in a separate feeder.

I was going to buy ping pong balls.

Ping pong balls are too light.

Is there an early sign to know they're going to lay?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Keep them in the coop?

If you free range, once the eggs actually appear, if they are not laying in the nests you might keep them confined to coop and run until they get used to using the nests.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

[neo71665]

Golf balls work great. Push come to shove you can take some easter eggs, put a bit of sand/marbles/dirt/rocks in them for weight, and super glue them shut.

If you got a rooster I'd suggest not getting layer feed and just give them oyster shells. Layer feed is hard on a roo's kidneys. Heck I'm one of the many that never uses layer feed.

 

[ReadingRAEnBo]

Thank you everyone! I bought some Purina all flock 20% and oyster shells.

 

[cmom]

Everyone is different. During the hotter months I do feed my birds layer feed. When they molt and when I set up the breeding pens I switch them over to a higher protein feed. All flock is good feed. At around 8 weeks old I switch my chicks from 26% starter crumbles over to 20% grower pellets. When they start laying I switch them over to layer. I have a lot of birds and this is what works for me. I also show my birds at poultry shows. As far as my male birds, they get whatever the females are eating. I have had no issues. Good luck and have fun...

 

[cmom]

Since I have a lot of birds I do put oyster shells and grit in their feeders and they take what they want. Many people won't agree with this and insist it has to be given as free choice. Most of the time, years ago when I did give it to them as free choice it ended up on the floor of their coops and then they never touched it. I do give them grains and seeds as treats so I give them the grit too. Again, good luck and have fun...

 

[ReadingRAEnBo]

Please help. My hens keep laying outside the coop. How do I make them lay IN the coop?

 

[black_cat]

Please help. My hens keep laying outside the coop. How do I make them lay IN the coop?

Shut them in the coop, or coop and attached run for a few days. As long as you have enough ventilation in the coop this will be fine, and they will learn to lay in the boxes.