New to Chickens

[Sue T]

Hello all!

My husband finally said ok to chickens! The coop was a family project - my sons and husband built it, my daughter and her fiance helped paint. Our 7 girls moved in 3 days ago and seem to be adjusting. They are 11 weeks old, so we will start to free range in the near future. They won't be laying for a while yet, but when should I introduce layer feed? Or is a general feed better? What does everyone have in their first aid kit? I have the basics, feed, grit, water, pine shavings and they get treats - love watermelon rind! Anything else I should have handy?

Thank you!!

 

[chickenlittle21]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined!

 

[The Happster]

Self control

Try not to buy every chicken you see. We know it's hard.

You know you have a problem when you go to buy feed at the store and come back with chicks.

Welcome!

 

[chickenlittle21]

Hello all!

My husband finally said ok to chickens! The coop was a family project - my sons and husband built it, my daughter and her fiance helped paint. Our 7 girls moved in 3 days ago and seem to be adjusting. They are 11 weeks old, so we will start to free range in the near future. They won't be laying for a while yet, but when should I introduce layer feed? Or is a general feed better? What does everyone have in their first aid kit? I have the basics, feed, grit, water, pine shavings and they get treats - love watermelon rind! Anything else I should have handy?

Thank you!!

Introduce layers feed at 16 weeks if you have females only. If you have males and females (or if you just want to do it this way) then you could start feeding you chickens all flock now and offer crushed oyster shells in a separate feeder once they are 16 weeks.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

I usually start offering layer feed when they start squatting when you lean over them, which depending on the breed is sometime between 5 and 6 months of age.

Good luck with your flock and welcome to ours!

 

[The Happster]

I don't give layers feed until they begin to lay.
Most breeds don't lay by 16 weeks, and sticking to growers for longer than they need to will do less damage than being on layers longer than needed.

 

[TwoShepherds]

Hello and welcome! I hope you are enjoying your new flock. Chickens are so much fun! I feed all-flock or flock-raiser with oyster shells on the side.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome!

 

[Joken]

We gave our Chickens watermelon rind and they wouldn't touch it. The goats wouldn't eat it either but a couple of steers made short work of it. I give the chickens a nightcrawler once in a while and they just stare at it.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal Flock!
Grab a roost & enjoy your time here!