new chickens in new coop need tips and advice!

[chickenshiha]

today I am getting new hens in my new coop I think I should have asked this before but I want to make some new changes and better hens so I want some tips and advice about when I buy a hen ,what should I do to keep them out of stress? And when should I let them free? I always let free 2 weeks after I buy them (im afraid of them not used to the coop) so they can get used to the coop, but some people free them after 2-4 days maybe the first day and they come back to the coop. if you have any tips and advice about buying new hens please share it to all of us not just me.

 

[CochinLover1]

A week will do. They should feel comfortable in that amount of time. As for regular comfort, make sure they have fresh hay or straw in their nest boxes. Always keep their water fresh and plenty of food. The hens will always come back if there is food. The egg is mostly water so if they have a day without water, it will most likely affect their egg production forever. I recommend also getting a flock block. They carry those at TSC. My chickens love them and it prevents them from getting bored in the winter.

 

[chickenshiha]

thanks but whats flock block is there a way they can lay eggs sooner ?

 

[CochinLover1]

A flock block is a solid cube of molasses, oats, corn, and other grain that they pick at over time. As for laying sooner, make sure they are not stressed. The pullets will take their own time in laying, not much you can do there. It's mostly time.

 

[chickenshiha]

ok thanks I have seen some people here use salted red rocks used for sheeps and goats that the chicken keep pecking on but its solid hard a bit heres a picture