Illinois...

[ChicagoClucker]

These guys do this every night about an hour before lock up. They hate to go in at night. I was telling Justso that I kept a couple of my bantams hens so I could use them as natural incubators because my LF rarely go broody. Plus, less work for me when they raise the chicks. Well I went out to lock up and I have a broody Silver Lace. I think I am going to try and pick out the SL eggs for her to sit on.

 

[Faraday40]

I went out with my camera on this bright, sunny day.

Not sure what he's doing, but this downward dog pose made me laugh.

Then I caught Darth Layer & Moose making out.

Here are the Mini Moose resting in the shade.

I think he liked the shiny camera & wanted a closer look.

 

[NotAFarm]

I think he liked the shiny camera & wanted a closer look.View attachment 1034882[/QUOTE]

Maybe saw his reflection in the lens and wanted to know who that handsome fella was in his yard!

 

[bellaisa]

I am from oreana illinois. I have been on this site for about one month. This is our first time raising chickens and we currently have 13. The oldest were born the end of March. I have a couple of questions. Do most people use the same bedding for the nesting box as they use for litter in the coop? How old should they be when you give them access to the boxes and when do you switch from grower to layer feed?
Thanks

 

[Molpet]

I am from oreana illinois. I have been on this site for about one month. This is our first time raising chickens and we currently have 13. The oldest were born the end of March. I have a couple of questions. Do most people use the same bedding for the nesting box as they use for litter in the coop? How old should they be when you give them access to the boxes and when do you switch from grower to layer feed?
Thanks

I use something soft for the nest boxes: grass, shredded paper, shavings... I use deep litter in the coop and run, which is whatever I can find cheap/free: leaves, grass, shredded paper, garden clippings and if I am desperate I buy shavings or pine pellets.
I feed grower (with oyster shells on the side always available) until they lay.. then if I don't have any littles or birds in molt I switch to layer (with oyster shells on the side always available)
my roosts are higher than the nest boxes so only when I had some meat birds in the same coop did I have to block them off.. open the nests up when the combs start to turn red.

 

[bellaisa]

I use something soft for the nest boxes: grass, shredded paper, shavings... I use deep litter in the coop and run, which is whatever I can find cheap/free: leaves, grass, shredded paper, garden clippings and if I am desperate I buy shavings or pine pellets.
I feed grower (with oyster shells on the side always available) until they lay.. then if I don't have any littles or birds in molt I switch to layer (with oyster shells on the side always available)
my roosts are higher than the nest boxes so only when I had some meat birds in the same coop did I have to block them off.. open the nests up when the combs start to turn red.

Thanks

 

[NotAFarm]

I am from oreana illinois. I have been on this site for about one month. This is our first time raising chickens and we currently have 13. The oldest were born the end of March. I have a couple of questions. Do most people use the same bedding for the nesting box as they use for litter in the coop? How old should they be when you give them access to the boxes and when do you switch from grower to layer feed?
Thanks

and to the Illinois thread!
I agree with Molpet on the nest material (shavings, hay, straw), bedding being anything (shredded leaves, dried grass clippings, shavings) and not having to block off the nests if the roost is higher than the nest boxes.
On feed: I use Purina Flock Raiser or Game Bird Starter year around so no matter what ages or genders I have, they aren't getting anything that could be bad for them....and offer oyster shell on the side for the hens.
If you are going to feed layer, wait until their combs are red and you see them checking out the nest boxes.
Oldest hatched in March would mean they are 3 months old. If you bought hatchery chicks meant to be layers, they will be laying at 4 to 5 months old. Leave a golf ball in the nest and you may notice them checking it out in July.

 

[megpie021]

While we are talking about nesting boxes, I am noticing mine are being investigated now! And Peaches is singing the song of her people! The fake eggs husband brought home when he got me Poppy and Ginger are being moved. I think Peaches and Pepper are getting really close. They will be 4 months on Tuesday. Its very exciting.

Duck Pen is completely built, just gotta get it set up now. Moved Cream Puff and Meringue to the look but dont touch phase with the girls in the coop. Sassy, Olive, Poppy and Ginger are now together full time so that Poppy and Ginger can grow a bit more before meeting the big ones, but still are getting socialized. Sassy and Olive are so sweet to them. Its pretty cute. They are getting outside time next to the coop, so that everyone knows they exist. Phew. This is a lot of work. And next week we are getting the ducklings. But then we are done collecting things. I think

So its gonna be hot this weekend. Favorite things to do for them to cool off? The run is in the shade of a tree basically all day. Do I do frozen fruit or bathe them? Should I buy them a fan? I searched on here and there are lot of ideas, but I am curious to know what you guys have as tried and true solutions.

 

[Junibutt]

and to the Illinois thread!
I agree with Molpet on the nest material (shavings, hay, straw), bedding being anything (shredded leaves, dried grass clippings, shavings) and not having to block off the nests if the roost is higher than the nest boxes.
On feed: I use Purina Flock Raiser or Game Bird Starter year around so no matter what ages or genders I have, they aren't getting anything that could be bad for them....and offer oyster shell on the side for the hens.
If you are going to feed layer, wait until their combs are red and you see them checking out the nest boxes.
Oldest hatched in March would mean they are 3 months old. If you bought hatchery chicks meant to be layers, they will be laying at 4 to 5 months old. Leave a golf ball in the nest and you may notice them checking it out in July.

I have a feed related question in general. I have noticed that good layer feed does help my flock lay more eggs but when I look at the ingredients, it has 2% lower protein content and lots of Calcium. Somehow I can't relate that to more laying when I always have Oyster shells available and even with the layer feed, I have to replenish them frequently.

 

[cavemanrich]

I have a feed related question in general. I have noticed that good layer feed does help my flock lay more eggs but when I look at the ingredients, it has 2% lower protein content and lots of Calcium. Somehow I can't relate that to more laying when I always have Oyster shells available and even with the layer feed, I have to replenish them frequently.

Layer feed is formulated at the lower protein level to minimize cost. (basically what is the lowest minimum to still produce eggs) Higher calcium level is so hen can produce egg shells without depleting calcium from her bones. (osteoporoses in human conditions). Your hens like to consume oyster shell as an added benefit of grit as well. Chickens will not overdose on such consumption. Feeding processed calcium such as in layer feed to non laying chickens and roosters is bad because calcium requirement of those is about 2%. Layer has twice that amount. Many here including myself use the 2% calcium Alflock or other brands of feed and offer the oyster shells on the side. This way I cover all the bases with some of my hens laying eggs and others that are too young or too old to lay. I also try to give them as much of natural scraps. (kitchen scraps) and grass clippings and such to scratch thru to keep busy as well as pick out minerals and such.