Some general questions from a new egg !

[kimisfishing]

How can I tell how old my chicks are?
when should I expect them to lay?
when do I start oyster shells?
when do I stop the chick feed?
anything else I shoudl know?

 

[new2chickens2011]

Well, I'm new too......

1. If you post pictures, the experts here will be able to tell how old they are!!

2. Different breeds lay at different times....the Dual Purpose breeds will start at around 5 months.
3. Oyster Shells should start when the girls start laying.
4.I stopped chick starter at six weeks, and then went to flock raiser.

What kind of chicks are you getting/do you have?

 

[kimisfishing]

I have 4 RIR and 4 black and white ones that I have no idea.

I will get some really close pics tomorrow and post, but they are 3 times the size of when I got them. I have never enven seen live chickens till now, so am doing everything I can to do it right. I have created a page here because I love to post pics of my babies. And thank you for answering me.

 

[SteveBaz]

pics help but 18 to 24 weeks and yes oyster shells around then to

yes
and yes

 

[Nic&Chickies]

Quote:
Well first, let me formally say,

and

From CT.
Where and how did you get your chicks? I would just ask at the source. For me that was the local feed store, who got them from a hatchery; they knew the hatch dates (which I then wrote on a calendar to keep track)
As far as what you need to know, just keep reading on this site --the whole site, not just the forum--if you can tear yourself away

. Try the Learning Center, if you don't have the Chickens for Dummies book. You'll figure it out as you go along.

 

[fezlet]

As for the questions, I'm a new egg, too. Good luck! You'll be addicted to these forums in no time.

 

[kimisfishing]

Thanks all, the local farm supply store did not tell me age, but they were not (little) when I got them. 3-4 weeks agao. I did not know they layed that early,( hubby told me 1 year) he is just a crabby one LOL, they must be 12 weeks or so, they are already 7-8 inches tall and getting full. They do like to roost and they ? wiggle down in the straw? like they are nesting, does that mean anything. I will do close up pics today. I have read alot of this site and yes it is hard to leave the forum. I ususally dont ask alot of questions, I read and research, but I dont know what I am doing and this involves a little life so will be asking what I cant find on my own. THAY YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU....

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

sometimes it takes awhile to go through a thread and find what you are looking for, alot of threads are opinions to, so keep that in mind...chicks like to snuggle together, some of mine still do and they are months old. They all do have individual personalities that are pretty entertaining...If you provide food and clean water and a safe shelter,and excercise, you are off to a great start A few extras like grit and oyster shell - and a nest box and you'll have your first egg before you know it! My hens still want, and gobble up chick starter, even though they are now on layer-little piglets, it must taste better.
just have fun with them and trust your eyes and ears...chickens are for dummies anyway, there is not alot you can do wrong.
ps. you can always ask the feed store, they prob know alot about feeding chickens