New to page and have some questions

[brian1921]

Hello all,
I'm Brian from Michigan.. My fiancés parents gave us 12 chickens that are just about 6 months old. They appear to be mix of New Hampshire and barred rocks. I was just wondering how long until I can expect to have them start to lay. Also I would like to give them field corn on top of crumble.. So do I need to give them grit? And if so how much? They will be in a 25x 25 pen with a coupe for the winter and hope to free range when the weather gets better. Thanks for the thoughts!

I've done Cornish rocks before so this is a bit different!

 

[beb444]

Hello all,
I'm Brian from Michigan.. My fiancés parents gave us 12 chickens that are just about 6 months old. They appear to be mix of New Hampshire and barred rocks. I was just wondering how long until I can expect to have them start to lay. Also I would like to give them field corn on top of crumble.. So do I need to give them grit? And if so how much? They will be in a 25x 25 pen with a coupe for the winter and hope to free range when the weather gets better. Thanks for the thoughts!

I've done Cornish rocks before so this is a bit different!

They can start laying at about 6 months-so possibly any day now!! Make sure that you have wooden eggs/golf balls in their nesting box so they know where to lay. Yes, it's always a good idea to give them grit, because it helps digest their food. I sprinkle some around and then put some in a little glad container, and refill and resprinkle when necessary.

 

[brian1921]

Thanks!!

 

[Mutt Farm]

Hi Brian from Mi! That's my old stomping ground! Corn is great to increase body heat for the winter. Free choice grit is needed. It doesn't have much protein though, so if you can fetch a bale of alfalfa hay and give them a flake to munch on, you'll have real pretty eggs with dark yokes too. It's a great substitute for free range. Be sure you have free choice oyster shell available too as at 6 months, they should start laying any time! Good breeds too! Best of luck!

 

[brian1921]

My pen is currently cover with a layer of ice/snow what can all greens can I put out there for them?

 

[brian1921]

I lost a few of my Cornish cross to Hawks should I consider getting a rooster or isn't that needed at all?

 

[beb444]

I think it's more important to have something that covers you run to protect against hawks. People in the predator/protection category might have more information on how much roosters can help

 

[beb444]

Go to https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens to see what treats chickens can have

 

[hellbender]

I think it's more important to have something that covers you run to protect against hawks. People in the predator/protection category might have more information on how much roosters can help

Unless you want young chicks, a rooster is useless, especially if you expect it to protect the hens...the only thing a rooster can protect against is another rooster. I personally like having one around.

As for Field corn...Don't even think about it. unless it is cracked corn. It can get hung up in the crop and cause serious problems.