New to the site and new to raising chickens

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atxash

atxash

In the Brooder
5 Years
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We recently picked up 5 pullets (8 weeks) and are completely new to raising chickens. We are currently using the deep litter method in our coop but are researching using pine shavings instead and cleaning the coop every 2 weeks (we'd still use hay in the nesting boxes). What experiences/recommendations can the experienced chicken owners share? Any draw backs or bonuses with one method vs. another?

Also - we are using crushed egg shells for calcium - should these be put in the oven first? Do you only use the shells from raw eggs or are boiled egg shells ok too?

I appreciate any info I can get to keep my chickens healthy!
 
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Welcome to BYC!

Your pullets shouldn't have egg shells yet. Not until laying age as too much calcium can damage the kidneys. But yes, some people bake them for about 10 mins in the oven to kill off any bacteria. And some just feed them as is. Personal preference I suppose.

As for bedding, there are lots of threads on the best types of bedding for the coop and nest boxes. I am a big fan of sand and will never go back to bedding again. Here is a thread on bedding that may be of help...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/683176/experiment-with-bedding

Enjoy this new adventure you are on and welcome to our flock!
 
Really? No calcium? I've read that they need it now as well to support bone growth.

Thanks for the bedding article. I'll check it out
 

Welcome to BYC!
frow.gif
Please make yourself at home and we are here to help! Like Two Crows said^ do not feed eggshells or any other form of calcium until the pullets are 18 weeks and older. Calcium damages kidneys, can effect egg production in the future and cause other major problems. My link should help too. (Below.)

I love to use shavings in my coop. The only bad thing about shavings is that they get into every nook and cranny and is a dusty material. Two Crows gave you a great link on bedding.

Again welcome!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/feeding-at-different-ages
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! X3, if you are feeding a commercial food to the chicks you don't want to supplement calcium. You can feed the egg shells any way you want, most people seem to bake/boil them so they don't spoil. I like to use the deep litter method in the winter because it does seem to be warmer, but change out shavings every couple of weeks in the summer.
 

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