new to layers... need some advice!!!

[BarredRockGirls]

ok sooooo i know this is a bit early but i like to be prepared!!

i have 13 Barred rock female pullets . - i lost 2 last week

any ways they are 13.5 weeks old and i cant wait for them to start laying !!!
few questions for the pros though!

they start about 16-20 right ? eeek we are close!
when should i start adding Layer ration to their FR?
i also have 9 week old Pekins will layer hurt them at this age ?
when do i put Golf balls in the nest boxes? they just started sitting in them ... its like they just noticed they were there lol ...
i dont give grit because my coop has sand in it - so when should i supply oyster shell ?
and is it ok for the ducks too ?
they are getting redder in the face and ive seen a few squatting down . like they were going to take a big poop ? is this normal ? haha

thanks for any help!

 

[Den in Penn]

My Barred Rocks didn't start till they were around 20 weeks. If you have younger chicks coming up wait till they are nearing the POL, to start the layer, as the calcium does the younger pullets no good and can do damage to their kidneys. Normally you can start layer when they reach POL or after the first egg. You can put the oyster shell in its own dish when the BPRs start laying, the younger ones will ignore it. The squatting is normal. It means they are getting mature and are positioning for the rooster. They can start doing that a few weeks before they lay.

 

[BarredRockGirls]

thank you !