I know I need feeders, waters, ECT.... But

[Meg-in-MT]

Indiana egg board regulations. I have to follow our rules. I made an article about states egg laws if you want to check it out.

I sure do! I'll try and find it. Thanks.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you have a means of hanging the feeder and water fount, I like the hanging type so you can keep raising it so the rim.

I disagree about the suggestion of not providing OS when feeding layer feed. You certainly don't want to mix it but it is a good idea to provide it in a separate container.
The reason for this is that not all hens lay the same number of eggs every week. Turning the switch from 1% calcium to 4% calcium isn't the answer.
A hen laying 1 egg a week probably doesn't need layer feed at all. A hen laying 6-7 eggs a week needs more calcium than 4%. Most hens actively laying may be fine with 4% but there are those building more shells than most and need more large particle calcium

 

[triplepurpose]

I disagree about the suggestion of not providing OS when feeding layer feed. You certainly don't want to mix it but it is a good idea to provide it in a separate container.
The reason for this is that not all hens lay the same number of eggs every week. Turning the switch from 1% calcium to 4% calcium isn't the answer.
A hen laying 1 egg a week probably doesn't need layer feed at all. A hen laying 6-7 eggs a week needs more calcium than 4%. Most hens actively laying may be fine with 4% but there are those building more shells than most and need more large particle calcium

I agree that oystershell can, and actually probably SHOULD generally be offered free-choice even when laying hens are on layer feed. In fact, many feed manufacturers recommend that you do just that — most layer rations I’ve seen advise so somewhere on the label. (And yes, just to clarify, “free-choice” means you offer it on the side, not mix it into their feed).

 

[mowin]

I agree that oystershell can, and actually probably SHOULD generally be offered free-choice even when laying hens are on layer feed. In fact, many feed manufacturers recommend that you do just that — most layer rations I’ve seen advise so somewhere on the label. (And yes, just to clarify, “free-choice” means you offer it on the side, not mix it into their feed).

Ok, so providing OS in a separate feeder is ok? Only the gals needing the OS will eat it?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Ok, so providing OS in a separate feeder is ok? Only the gals needing the OS will eat it?

Correct.
I don't recommend mixing anything with the feed other than another type of chicken feed if warranted, for example mixing layer with starter to lower the calcium and raise the protein.
Some people mix scratch. Scratch is really for tossing on the ground so the chickens can 'scratch' for it which satisfies a habitual need.
Mixing OS with layer feed can potentially raise the calcium content to damaging levels.

 

[TomZilla43]

Hiya Mowin, I have 7 chooks that I keep and I use 2 7 lb. hanging feeders and 2 waterers that I use for my girls. One of the waterers is a basic 1 gal. waterer like you find at TSC or such and for the other I have a 5 gal. bucket w/ horizontal nipples and an 50 watt aquarium heater for the winter. I like having 2 waterers so that I can provide Apple cider vinegar in the smaller waterer(can't do that in the nipple unit because ACV corrodes metal). Honestly if your chooks have grown up together I doubt that you'll NEED 2 feeder and water sources but it's better to have a lil overkill than to have birds not getting what they need due to pecking order issues. Good luck with your new flock, you'll have to post some pics when you get em squared away.

 

[chickens really]

I never feed layer feed. Your 8 week old chicks can be put on a Grower/Finisher with oyster shell in a separate dish once they begin to lay eggs.

 

[Suzi18]

I'm excited for you! You've been given some great advice but I'd like to add a couple things. Don't forget to have grit available to them at all times. I use one of those little flat back, half round feeders that attaches right to my hardware cloth but you can just use a dish or even toss a handful in the run every few days. The other thing I'm sooo glad I spent the money on before my first pullets arrived is a chicken first aid kit. You certainly don't want to have to run to the store every time you need something. I purchased some things from Hakes Twin City Poultry and it was delivered in a few days. Some of the things you may need are Blu kote, Vetrycin spray, a couple dewormers, like maybe Corid for coccidiosis and Wazine for an all around wormer. Vet RX is another useful product, Calcium tablets, a syringe and Nutridrench. I actually went so far as to buy an antibiotic, some probiotics, bag balm, colloidal silver and Vitamin B12 drops. In the last 2 years I have used every single product at least once.

 

[triplepurpose]

I never feed layer feed. Your 8 week old chicks can be put on a Grower/Finisher with oyster shell in a separate dish once they begin to lay eggs.

Hey, us too. Since we raise a mixed flock of dual purpose with breeding cocks and often young birds together in the same pasture as soon (as they’re old enough to cohabitate) we don’t want to force the non-layers to consume high levels of calcium. So we go with a high-quality locally available “starter/grower”. (I’ve compared the ingredients and nutritional info scrupulously—and also it is NON-MEDICATED.) The logic being that we get more protein for the same price, protein being the most expensive and most limiting dietary factor; and also seeing that we feed lots of free stuff from the farm that is mostly lower in protein (fruit, root croops, stale wholegrain bread, greens) it would be more likely to balance out somewhat.

BTW it’s been said elsewhere many a time, but baked and crushed eggshells are a great free oystershell alternative (maybe even better), though the laws of physics suggest that you’ll still need to provide some oystershell too no matter what especially if you don’t feed layer.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You really shouldn’t provide oyster shell if you use a layer feed. I provide oyster shell if I use all flock. I suggest using all flock with oyster shell if you don’t have a feed mill that can make you a layer ration with more than 16% protein.

While it is fairly true that 1 shouldn't "need" supplemental calcium if using a calcium and reached layer ration, there is no harm in offering it and the amount of calcium provided in the layer feed may not necessarily meet the needs of individual hens so having the additional calcium available can actually be quite beneficial.