Coops, chicken breeds and bedding?

[brad68der1]

The coop + enclosure

 

[brad68der1]

Wow, this thread got messed up! LoL idk what happened.????

 

[Emma Miriam]

That's okay! I LOVE your coop and nests! They look very comfy. You've got lots of nesting boxes! Chances are, they'll all pick one or two that are their favorite and wait in line for those nests even though they're all identical. Chickens are funny that way.

As for feeds, once pullets start laying eggs, they should get layer feed instead of the starter/grower you've been giving them when they're little. Some people switch to layer feed as early as 16 weeks old, but really it's best to wait until you see the first egg. I would just finish whatever feed back you're using now, and next time you go to your feed store, pick up layer feed.

Also, buy a bag of oyster shells, and make that available for the pullets free choice, separate from their normal feed. You can put that out now if you'd like -- they'll eat it only if they feel they need the extra calcium, so it won't hurt. 5 lb bags of oyster shell last a long time.

 

[brad68der1]

Thank you Emma. Been reading a lot on here and y'all have an awesome site here.
Yes, we are getting oyster shells tomorrow. Was wondering about grit? Or will they get it naturally? I'm unsure as I can't find anything yet about grit??
The coop was my own design and I'm pleased with how it turned out. If they decide on one or two boxes I may turn one box into a feeder and put a waterer in another. I've discovered that coops are always a work in progress I still need to finish the roof but for now it suffices.
I just got out of the hospital after having gall bladder surgery so for the time being work is at a standstill.

 

[Karens62]

Even if the chickens are of egg laying age(4-6 months typically), they will fluctuate in productivity if they are stressed - either physically or psychologically. Since you just got them yesterday, they have probably had both and it may take them a few days to settle in. Whether or not they can find grit depends on the soil where you have them. You can usually pick up a small bag at the local feed store or even sandbox sand, as long as it isn't so fine it's powdery. Oh, and have fun!

Guess I need to post more often as it still says I'm just hatched and I've had chickens for many years now!

 

[brad68der1]

OK, thanks. It's been added to my list of things to get

 

[Emma Miriam]

Hope you're feeling alright after that surgery!

Yeah, poultry grit is inexpensive and never goes bad, so you might as well put it out...it won't hurt

 

[Henrietta2]

I waited anxiously too for my first eggs when I got my chicks. When they were big enough still no eggs. One day I was letting them out of the coop in the morning, all three were roosting, and two of them "laid" an egg at the same time…eggs with no shells! They just plopped out onto the coop floor. Then they hooped down and ate them for breakfast. (I know, ew). I got them oyster shells the next day. Then I got "rooster eggs" for a week, soft shell eggs with no yolk. It took about two weeks to get normal eggs but now they lay huge, normal eggs. Just wait they're coming. You'll be sick of eating eggs every day real soon!

 

[brad68der1]

With only 6 birds I'm hoping we don't get overrun with eggs but there are plenty of potential buyers in the area so we shouldn't get sick of them to soon
Emma, thank you, I'm feeling great and the doc has released me to go back to work so hoping to get that roof done by end of the week

 

[brad68der1]

I put grit and oyster shells in the enclosure this morning. All but 1 took some of each. Feeling better about my birds now, thanks for the advice.