Feeding confusion

[Hholly]

Hi all! I just got 2 hens with 8 chicks that are 2 weeks old. I've been feeding chick crumbles. But is that adequate for the hens? And should I make oyster shell available now? Will it hurt the chicks if they get into the shell? Should I be feeding the hens separate layer feed now?
On the day I picked them up, one of the hens had laid an egg in the cage they were in.
TIA!

 

[Mrs. K]

The chicks won't bother the oyster shell, so keep on doing the chick feed, and add the oyster shell.

A hint that has worked well for me, is put a wide board, 10-12 inches, up at the roost level when the chicks are about 4weeks old. The hen will get them up there and teach them to roost.

 

[Hholly]

The chicks won't bother the oyster shell, so keep on doing the chick feed, and add the oyster shell.

A hint that has worked well for me, is put a wide board, 10-12 inches, up at the roost level when the chicks are about 4weeks old. The hen will get them up there and teach them to roost.

Great! Thanks for the info!