Basic feeding requirements?

[kiwiegg]

Hi all! One of our 17 babes (red sex link) started laying perfect little brown eggs 3 days ago. I want to make sure that I am giving them the right nutrition. They have access to plenty of water and the organic chix food I buy at the local feed store. Almost every day they get a some veges from our or our neighbors garden and they also get our table scraps. I have no idea about grit oyster shells etc. Is there something else they need to keep healthy and lay good eggs? Thanks!

 

[chickencoop789]

I have no idea about grit oyster shells etc.

Oyster shell is a source of calcium. It can be mixed in with the food or given on the side. Calcium makes good, hard egg shells. If you notice that you are getting thin egg shells, you should give them some oyster shell. Grit is little pebbles that help the chickens digest things like plants, fruits, and veggies. It is a good idea to give them grit if they free range or are given lots of greens. But they can just pick up some pebbles by themselves.

They have access to plenty of water and the organic chix food I buy at the local feed store.

Im assuming that you meant chick instead of chix. If your hens are starting to lay, you should switch them over to the layer feed.