Q#1....I have no answer for this. I haven't used pdz yet. I have plans for it in the future.
Q#2...I have always fed mine start and grow. I don't feed them layer feed even though they are all at least 13 months or more and laying. Instead I offer a dispenser (or a bowl) filled with oyster shell and I always give them well crushed smushed mashed up unrecognizable egg shells. By giving calcium this way I know my rooster and any future young non- laying pullets won't be eating the calcium since they won't want the plain stuff. Young non- laying pullets should not be fed calcium because it damages their insides if they are too young to lay eggs.
Q#3...make the ramp less steep as was already advised. Also, they don't know that they live inside yet. Put them inside tonight. Tomorrow morning put food and water inside with them in a safe area and don't let them outside. Clean up any spills. At night remove food and water. Keep them inside for at least 3 days in this manner. After 3 days they should figure out where they want to be to sleep. They will go in on their own around dusk. If not put them in lockup for a few more days. It works. Best part is if you ever introduce new birds (using the separate but visible method) the newbies generally just follow the grownups to bed.
Q#4...save the vitamins and electrolytes for when they are sick. They are, as you said, growing up and don't need the extra now. As for vinegar, I do add 2 capfulls to a gallon of water not just for their probiotic health but more because its a natural way to prevent algae growing in the waterer. It's really a personal thing. Try it either way and see what you prefer. I only use Braggs with the mother in it shaking the bottle well.
You're doing great just by being here and asking questions. Welcome!
Q#2...I have always fed mine start and grow. I don't feed them layer feed even though they are all at least 13 months or more and laying. Instead I offer a dispenser (or a bowl) filled with oyster shell and I always give them well crushed smushed mashed up unrecognizable egg shells. By giving calcium this way I know my rooster and any future young non- laying pullets won't be eating the calcium since they won't want the plain stuff. Young non- laying pullets should not be fed calcium because it damages their insides if they are too young to lay eggs.
Q#3...make the ramp less steep as was already advised. Also, they don't know that they live inside yet. Put them inside tonight. Tomorrow morning put food and water inside with them in a safe area and don't let them outside. Clean up any spills. At night remove food and water. Keep them inside for at least 3 days in this manner. After 3 days they should figure out where they want to be to sleep. They will go in on their own around dusk. If not put them in lockup for a few more days. It works. Best part is if you ever introduce new birds (using the separate but visible method) the newbies generally just follow the grownups to bed.
Q#4...save the vitamins and electrolytes for when they are sick. They are, as you said, growing up and don't need the extra now. As for vinegar, I do add 2 capfulls to a gallon of water not just for their probiotic health but more because its a natural way to prevent algae growing in the waterer. It's really a personal thing. Try it either way and see what you prefer. I only use Braggs with the mother in it shaking the bottle well.
You're doing great just by being here and asking questions. Welcome!
