Hello all! I had read somewhere I'm supposed to give the laying hens special feed... is this true? And what kind?
Yes, once hens start laying you should give them a layer ration as well as oyster shell. It sold by various companies but generally called Layer Mash or Layer Crumble.
Layer feed contains calcium needed for hens. Hens need calcium for strong egg shells. You can crush egg shells & sprinkle it in their food (as a powder) for bonus calcium.
Or, you can feed them a good Raiser or Grower and just offer the calcium source on the side. Layer is essentially just Grower with the additional calcium added. No biggie. Whatever your preference is. BTW all feed contains some calcium.
Do not feed layer feed 2 chicks!! The calcium can damage their kidneys. Hens need more calcium than roosters, so I would give them (roosters) grower.