New chicken Mama- some beginner questions

1) I read in a blog post that the roosts should be higher than the nesting boxes- is that true?
Yes! Chickens love to perch in the highest possible place, you can see my article on the Top 15 Chicken Coop Mistakes for more coop mistakes like such. You can find it if you go to my profile, its under the articles section. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll link it for you.
2) If you are giving them 16% layer feed, is additional calcium supplements (i.e. black soldier fly) necessary?
Honestly, I don't like feeding layer. Hens who aren't laying currently, as consistency, etc don't need the added calium. Plus, I personally think that 16% protein is too low. I prefer to feed a Starter or All Flock feed which is 20% protein, and has no calcium. When feeding a starter or All flock, you have to supplment with Oyster shell. Just put it in a feeder on the side and they'll eat as much as they need.
Black Soldier Fly Larva isn't a reliable source of calcium. It should be fed as a treat at no more than 10% of the diet. Thats about 1 tablespoon per bird per day.
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?
As long as your coop has adequate space, 4 sq. ft per bird, locking them in for a few days can be helpful. Some birds don't need it, but if they aren't using the coop its something you can try. I didn't have to coop train my bantams, but can't remember if I had to or not for my standards.
4) Does it matter if we use shavings vs straw in the nesting boxes?
Nope! You can use whatever substrate you want! From straw and shavings, to grass clippings, fall leaves, sand, nesting pads, etc.
5) Do you only give them a certain amount of food per day, or do you give them 24h access?
Depends. If your feeding pellets or crumbles, you can free feed. Most flocks are free fed, its the easiest and most afficent way. If you soak or ferment your feed, you have to feed daily. I ferment my feed and do one large feeding in the morning. They usually ration it until the afternoon, and sometimes theres even a bit left in the evening. I try to make sure they eat it all though so I don't have to deal with rodents.

Welcome to BYC! Other members may have already answered your questions, I didn't read through the whole thread. Hope you make yourself at home here, and enjoy your flock!
 
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!
:welcome:frowIt is a good idea to have the roosts higher than the nest boxes. I also have golf balls in the nest boxes. It's not necessary to supplement the feed because the feed does have the nutritional requirements. I would keep the birds in their coop for a few days so they will associate wih it. It really doesn't matter what you use in the nest boxes. It's totally up to you. I leave their feed available 24/7/365. I also have auto waterers for my birds but I have a few hundred. You will find a lot of good information here BYCArticles.jpg Good luck and have fun...
 

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