Roost space per bird

[junebuggena]

Layer feed is for actively laying birds only, but it isn't required for a hen to produce eggs. Unmedicated starter or grower can be fed for the entire lifespan. The only thing extra that layers really need, in addition, is a source of calcium which is easily provide by crushed oyster shell.

 

[BlueShadow]

I am appreciating all the advice on chicks, temps, integration, timing, etc. I have 6 chicks 2 weeks old, and will make them a temporary enclosure within the hens' coop.

Heehee but did you come to the thread looking for advice on roosts?

We may be just a teeeny bit off topic! But I agree with you, some people have contributed very wonderful information.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have feed and water in the coop. When I have chicks in them I have feed and water in the grow-out coop and in that pen in the netting for the broody and her chicks. I also have two feeding stations and three watering stations in the run.

June answered the other question. I never feed Layer, but since I almost always have juveniles in the flock, everybody gets a low calcium feed, usually Grower or Starter depending on the age of the chicks. I offer oyster shell on the side.

The baby chicks can get through 2” x 4” fencing until they get too big. Put some smaller mesh wire along the bottom foot or so and they can’t get through, a double layer of wire. Bend it so it’s flat on the ground for a bit so they can’t go under.