Newby-Chicky Chicky Mama here

[Chickie YumYum]

1. I have a question but it's not already answered (I don't think) at least in the way I'm asking. I have a good size water container and same kind for food.
2. Is it okay to combine grit and Oyster shells in the same container?
3. My oldest pullet should start laying this week or next week. Should she get any special something to help her have an easier with the first eggs? Something special to eat, etc...
4. I have 2 Astrolopes and 2 Buff Orpingtons and an Americana rooster. They will be ranged but not yet because I read you shouldn't chase your chickens but get them to come to you. Only the oldest will allow me pick her up so far but they are still very skittish. Would it help if when I picked up one of my chicks to give her some meal worms to associate cuddling and a treat?

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. I actually offer oyster with crushed and baked shell in it.
I have never cuddled my birds grew up on cattle ranch.
Now a old lady with chickens.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you joined with us in this Poultry Loving Community. I would prefer to not mix the oyster shell and calcium with a rooster in the mix. He doesn't need to be picking at calcium in any form. They all need the grit.

 

[Nomadicus]

4. I have 2 Astrolopes and 2 Buff Orpingtons and an Americana rooster. They will be ranged but not yet because I read you shouldn't chase your chickens but get them to come to you. Only the oldest will allow me pick her up so far but they are still very skittish. Would it help if when I picked up one of my chicks to give her some meal worms to associate cuddling and a treat?

Sit down at their level in a open area of lawn with treats and let them learn to come to you at that level. Some will possibly learn to like to be cuddled and some may not. I would guess that the Buff's would take up sitting in your lap the easiest.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

I'm not sure why you're giving them grit. Do your hens not get a run or free range outdoors? We put a dish of oyster shell out for the hens, separate from their food or anything else.

As for mealworms, those contain a ton of fat, and I do believe in treats, but you don't want to go overboard with those. Perhaps you could try using some scrambled eggs. Those are way healthier for them and they love those too. Your ideas for taming them down are good ones. Sometimes I sit on the step of our deck and put scrambled eggs beside me. They'll all be jumping all over me to get as much as they can. It's fun!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Definitely keep grit and oyster shell separate, calcium needs to be consumed carefully and by hens only.

Food is a huge motivator for bonding, so as stated above, sit down on the floor or ground with a bag of goodies and if they won't come close, scatter some around your legs and lap. Do this daily and soon they will be climbing all over you! Keep this in mind however, until hens are squatting and ready to lay, many don't let you pick them up and will run from you. I've chased enough pullets in my day, once they start squatting, they get really easy to pick up. They still may not enjoy being lifted off the ground, but most will let you.

Best wishes with your flock!

 

[Chickie YumYum]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. I actually offer oyster with crushed and baked shell in it.
I have never cuddled my birds grew up on cattle ranch.
Now a old lady with chickens.

Thank you. I need to be able to pick them up just in vm case we get a predator and Roo and I need to speed up.

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. Feed is a great motivator. Let the birds come to you. As prey animals they do not like being pursued/grabbed.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. If you just sit quietly, in their pen, and read several times a week, they will come to you. Once they are used to you, you'll be tripping over them every time you turn around.