I just got my first egg yesterday, and another one today ! they have laid both of them in the nest box and I estimate their age at 19-20 weeks, I bought them as fuzzy chicks at a local farm supply on July 10. I keep bees and have collected honey but the eggs are cool ! I have a timed light ( 15 hrs) in my coop and a heat light (not sure where to set it) I am feeding them Dumor grower/finisher 15%. It is mixed with a little scratch grains. Do I need to change their food to increase egg production ? I have 4 hens 2 RIR, 1 Ameraucana and 1 EE. I welcome your suggestions and opinion Thanks in advance !
You need to switch to LAYING CRUMBLES. It has the added calcium that the hens need to produce eggs. It would be good to put some crushed oyster shell out too.
Hi and welcome aboard!!! First you need to switch over to Laying Pellets or Crumbles asap. It has the calcium they need to build strong shells and I would hold back on the scratch until it gets a little colder. Second, you can pull that heat lamp unless you are in the mtns of N.GA and you still won't need it unless it just gets crazy cold. Third, I personally don't believe in supplying artificial light during the shorter days. I think the birds need that break but a lot of people do use them so it's really personal choice. Good luck to you! I hope you get as much enjoyment out of your birds as I do mine!!!
Thanks folks ! I have built a couple of boats and that evolves into "boatbuildingvirus" I think the chicken keeping is about the same, it seems to be infectious. I will get some layer food and a bit of oyster, I have turned back the heat lamp and may dial back the light....not sure. Thanks again
