New chicken Mama- some beginner questions

Date sort Score sort
M

mamapeters

In the Brooder
Feb 16, 2022
4
41
41
Southern BC Canada
Hello!

We are getting 20 hens this weekend, as well as 2 roosters. We were originally planning on getting 6ish hens but this flock has come available to us.
We aren't sure yet if we are going to keep the roo's or not. I've of course been doing my research, but I have some questions.

1) I read in a blog post that the roosts should be higher than the nesting boxes- is that true?
2) If you are giving them 16% layer feed, is additional calcium supplements (i.e. black soldier fly) necessary?
3) I read that "coop training" them is a good idea so that they learn this coop is their new home (not letting them out into the run for a week-ish) but I don't know if that's a good idea, I feel like they might go crazy?
4) Does it matter if we use shavings vs straw in the nesting boxes?
5) Do you only give them a certain amount of food per day, or do you give them 24h access?

Thanks all!
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.
mamapeters said:
1) I read in a blog post that the roosts should be higher than the nesting boxes- is that true?
Click to expand...
Yes. Otherwise, they will likely want to roost in the nest boxes and poop in them leaving you poopy eggs to collect.
mamapeters said:
2) If you are giving them 16% layer feed, is additional calcium supplements (i.e. black soldier fly) necessary?
Click to expand...
Not necessary but a great insurance policy. BSF are not considered a calcium supplement. They are fat/protein and considered a treat. You want to keep all treats to less than 10 weight % of their total diet.
You want to put out oyster shell for calcium supplementation.
I personally don't and never will feed layer mix as it only meets the bare minimum of protein and there are many times when you don't want your flock eating all the excess calcium offered in layer mix. I prefer to feed a complete feed that offers 18-20% protein with OS on the side. That way, the flock always has an appropriate diet. I feed Flock Raiser. I ferment half that is fed to them in a bowl and feed keep dry in their troughs.
mamapeters said:
3) I read that "coop training" them is a good idea so that they learn this coop is their new home (not letting them out into the run for a week-ish) but I don't know if that's a good idea, I feel like they might go crazy?
Click to expand...
This is called "homing" them to the coop and it's really only necessary for birds that are new to the coop. If you are getting chicks, I highly recommend you brood them directly in the coop using a brooder plate or momma heating pad.
mamapeters said:
4) Does it matter if we use shavings vs straw in the nesting boxes?
Click to expand...
Nope. I like using a tightly packed thin flake of straw.
mamapeters said:
5) Do you only give them a certain amount of food per day, or do you give them 24h access?
Click to expand...
They don't eat at night so there is no need to have food and water available at night.
They should have free choice access to a complete feed and fresh clean water during waking hours.
 
Fortunately, while there are generally accepted practices, it's not unusual to find differing opinions on how to care for chickens. So, here is how I raise my poultry.

1) My roosts are all higher than my nest boxes. However, that doesn't mean all of my hens will agree to put their eggs where I believe they should be deposited. For example, one of my girls skips the easily reached nest box to put her egg as far into the back of the coop, under the poop shelf, as she possibly can.

2) I used to feed layer feed all year with no bad results, but I now use all-flock during the months that most of the girls are on a laying break. I offer oyster shell for additional calcium and do give out limited treats.

3) Because of our delightful spring weather, I usually brood my chicks in my spare bedroom. I've never had a problem getting them to head to their coops in the evening because -- as I have already confessed -- I often throw a few treats in to lure them to their houses.

4) I use wood shavings.

5) Mine get a serving of breakfast and a serving of dinner. They free range, weather permitting, during the day in a fenced-off area that they share with ducks and geese. Water is available to everybody all the time.

6) And, WELCOME to BYC, mamapeters!
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom