Newbie

Don't crush shells they sell oyster shells and chick grit, fill your run with a course sand and you won't need to give them anything as they will use the small stones and sand, your husband is right 1 nestbox for every 3 or 4 hens they will probably only chose 1 or 2 as their favorite.

 

Hi and


they always need grit. I always make sure I toss some grit out everyday during the winter. Harder for them to get any with all the snow where I am. If they can forage everyday they get it themselves. I don't know about grinding up sea shells (hopefully someone else will have more info on that, but even if you can use shells don't grind them up "super fine", it would defeat the purpose of what grit needs to do), I buy grit from the feed store.

I have 5 hens and four nest boxes. They always "share" two. There will be 3 eggs in one box and 2 in the other. I think they "follow" each others lead? Or those two are just the favorites for some reason. I think you can have 4-5 boxes and you'd be fine.

Good luck with your chickens. What kind are you getting?

 

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

from Washington state glad you joined us!

 

Alright great to have you joining the BYC flock




Wish you well in your poultry ventures

 

Your husband is right you don't need a nest box for every hen. Even if they were all identical, hens will have a favorite box or two. Then they fight over using it, or wait in line. If they are desperate they will just get on top of present occupant and lay their egg right on her. Chickens can be weird.

 

Welcome to BYC. Your husband is correct. 3 nest boxes will be more than enough - they will all try to use the same box anyway - chickens are funny like that. Grit should be available at all times, but free range birds rarely use it - they pick up enough small stones in their foraging. Commercial layer rations generally provide adequate calcium for egg production. Enjoy your flock.