Kicking shavings and gof ball out of nest box

[4 MimisPeeps]

I have 6 pullets (correct term??) hatched 4/30, so should be about ready to lay. I opened up nest boxes in coop, adding thick layer (2 - 3") of pine shavings and a golf ball. I keep finding the shavings and golf ball kicked out into the coop. Is it too soon? Should I close the boxes back up and wait? I have one BPR, two WPR, two bantam Welsummers, and one bantam EE.

Also, last time I bought feed the guy gave me laying crumble and prior bag had been starter pellets. It is over 1 hour one way to feed store so decided to use it. The girls keep picking thru looking for pellets and rest is on the ground. Should I just make the trip and buy pellets or will they eventually eat the crumble? I do give greens or some fruits every day. Should I cut out the treats?

Other than these two issues, love them to death,and enjoy sitting and watching them at the end of a long day!! Very relaxing!

 

[aoxa]

What do you have in the coop for bedding? Is it shavings as well? Don't cut out fresh anything. It's really good for them - the fruit and veggies. It doesn't stop mine from laying. I have some girls hatched just a few days after yours, and by their combs/wattles, they won't be ready for at least a few more weeks. If I were you, I'd get them a new bag of feed (try grower). I would also close the nesting boxes until you see very obvious signs of them getting ready to lay.

This is my barred rock girl born Easter Weekend. She JUST started laying. Notice her bright comb and wattles? That's a good sign of her readiness to lay.

While these girls here (born May 5th) have nothing in terms of comb right now. I won't expect laying for 3-4 weeks.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Sometimes they like to go in there and practice before they start laying. Maybe put less pine in so that they don't make such a mess. If they are hanging out in there all day or sleeping in the boxes I would block them off, if not then I would just leave it as is. Mine never liked the golf ball so I just took it out. Perhaps put it back if they start laying consistently out of the nest.

I would go back to the store. I would not feed the birds a layer feed until ALL of them are laying eggs. Get a non-medicated grower or flock raiser feed and buy some oyster shell and put in on the side in its own container. Calcium can build up in birds that do not lay eggs and can cause kidney failure. If you have a young flock, a mixed age flock or a flock with roosters then this is a good solution. The non laying birds will not eat the oyster and the laying birds will still have everything they need.

Once everyone is laying switch back to your layer pellets. If you find that your birds are not liking pellets try wetting them and see if they helps them gets used to them. Stick with snacks and greens for sure.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Mealworms are amazing if you are looking for super healthy chicken snacks and you can farm them at home cheap and easy.