New chicken mom with questions

[Kim606]

I have six ladies of unknown breed that are about 16-17 weeks. I was told they were 1 week old when I purchased Feb 28 from tractor supply. I noticed a couple squatting when I would come near them a few days ago. After searching here, I realized they may be getting ready to lay. I had not put up nesting boxes yet because I was still working on trying to get them to roost at night and thought I had more time. Imagine my surprise when I entered coop today to put up nesting boxes and found 3 eggs on the floor. They were perfect little brown eggs and 1 was still warm! So my questions....it is okay for me to use these eggs? (I ask because they seem so young to start laying) I do not wash and can leave them on the counter for a few day before refrigerating? I still have them on starter growth food so I should change them all now to adult food? I have decided to give up trying to get them to roost at night. They seem so content to sleep cuddled up together in the corner of coop who am I to say it's wrong. My new focus will be to get them using nesting boxes. Lol

 

[FeatherTay]

I have six ladies of unknown breed that are about 16-17 weeks. I was told they were 1 week old when I purchased Feb 28 from tractor supply. I noticed a couple squatting when I would come near them a few days ago. After searching here, I realized they may be getting ready to lay. I had not put up nesting boxes yet because I was still working on trying to get them to roost at night and thought I had more time. Imagine my surprise when I entered coop today to put up nesting boxes and found 3 eggs on the floor. They were perfect little brown eggs and 1 was still warm! So my questions....it is okay for me to use these eggs? (I ask because they seem so young to start laying) I do not wash and can leave them on the counter for a few day before refrigerating? I still have them on starter growth food so I should change them all now to adult food? I have decided to give up trying to get them to roost at night. They seem so content to sleep cuddled up together in the corner of coop who am I to say it's wrong. My new focus will be to get them using nesting boxes. Lol

Yes to all your question! You are doing great!

 

[Kim606]

Yes to all your question! You are doing great!

Thank you!

 

[aart]

I still have them on starter growth food so I should change them all now to adult food? I have decided to give up trying to get them to roost at night. They seem so content to sleep cuddled up together in the corner of coop who am I to say it's wrong. My new focus will be to get them using nesting boxes.

Just provide a separate feeder with Oyster shell in it.

Post pics of your coop showing the roosts.

Put a fake egg in each nest to lure them to lay there.

 

[Kim606]

Good morning! Happy to report I have 2 more perfect little eggs today and both were in nesting boxes. The golf balls must have worked. Lol I will try to post some pics of my coop and run later today. Have to make a trip to store for OS!

 

[3KillerBs]

How splendid!

The first eggs are fine to eat. Some people blow them and save them as mementos.

You can switch them to layer feed when the current bag runs out or you can use All-Flock with oyster shell on the side -- though you should always have oyster shell on the side anyway.

 

[Kim606]

I purchased all flock food and will mix with remaining starter food till starter food is gone. I also have OS out for them. I cannot take credit for the coop and run design. I was blessed that prior owner built and left for me. we installed roost and nesting boxes plus fishing line across top of run. I only let them free range when I am there because I am so afraid of eagle or hawk getting them.

 

[Kim606]

I purchased all flock food and will mix with remaining starter food till starter food is gone. I also have OS out for them. I cannot take credit for the coop and run design. I was blessed that prior owner built and left for me. we installed roost and nesting boxes plus fishing line across top of run. I only let them free range when I am there because I am so afraid of eagle or hawk getting them.

 

[TooCheep]

Congrats on the new eggs. The first ones are always exciting and yes, they are fine for eating.

I like your setup. Plenty of space for the girls which will minimize conflict. The trees should do a good job providing shade when it is hot.

You might want to add a couple of items inside or outside to help keep them occupied- a swing, a stump to jump up on and play queen of the hill, an outside roost, etc.

 

[WallyG74]

You should really try to get them to roost at night. They poop even in their sleep and if they are on the ground or floor then they’re sleeping in poop. It gets stuck all on their backsides. That’s not healthy. Put them up on the roost after dark. Be consistent and they will start doing it on their own.