feed and nest box--newbie questions

[Doormantnt]

I have six 16 week old ladies, 2 reds, 2 barred rock, 2 black-links. All same age, maturing different rates. The reds are really showing comb and waddles, and links just starting with the rocks in the middle. I have bout a weeks worth of Start and Grow left, should I switch to a layer feed on next trip, or keep with S&G. They are all getting more and more "vocal". Within the last week I have noticed some "beds" (depressions) in the bedding in the coop, assumed it was heat, but could it be nesting?

I have not found a treat that they don't like, every thing from watermelon or anything in the garden, to crickets (histerical) and any bug with legs...so they all seem happy and healthy.

I have the nest boxes blocked off, so when should I open them up, soon or at first misplaced egg?

they have had free access to grit, and dirt for 2 months now (start of treats)

when should I put out some oyster shell? (or other supplement? open to suggestions)

they are in a 5x8 elevated coop (secured at night), and a 8x18 roofed run during day till after work, then "free range" yard for couple hours.

Any advice, suggestions, or info is greatly appreicated.
Thanks.
TNT

p.s. I think I traded addictions...LOL....

 

[greyhorsewoman]

Sounds like you've got a nice setup! Your hens may still be a few weeks from laying, but I'd go ahead and uncover the nest boxes and maybe put in a fake egg or golf ball to encourage them to use them.

There is no one correct answer, but I'd probably start mixing in layer to the grower at this point. Oyster shell can be added after they have actually started to lay, if necessary.

 

[Doormantnt]

Thanks for the reply, i'm just getting impatience I guess....I know give them their time....

I just read it was hard to break them of the "roosting in the the nest box"...but I don't think it will be an issue, they put them selfs to bed at 8:15 every night, and the roosts (they use) are all above the nest boxes.

Any other advice?!?!?!

 

[Doormantnt]

bump

 

[cmom]

It looks like you have all of your bases pretty well covered. As far as treats go like watermelon, my pullets didn't eat the watermelons right away either so I just left some. After awhile one pullet would investigate then another then another. It wasn't long before several of them were pecking at it and it was gone except the outermost piece of the rind. My hens love watermelon. When they see me come out with some they come running. Watermelon is one of our crops so they get a lot of it. This can also apply to other things. Leave whatever you're giving them for awhile they will investigate and before you know it for the most part they will devour it. I would buy the layer and if they start laying before the Grower is gone then just mix the left over Grower with the Layer. I did and have had no problems Otherwise I would just feed them the Grower until it is gone then switch over to the Layer. Also I would put out a dish of free choice oyster shells. They will take what they want/need. I did the same with the nest boxes as you have. I closed them off too. I would unblock them now. I had a couple of birds that started laying at 17 weeks. Just make sure your roosts are higher or they may still try to sleep in the nest boxes and when they sleep they poop.

 

[Doormantnt]

Thanks for the post