Started laying- now what?

[LauraP]

Hi everyone!

I'm a first time chicken owner, and I've been searching the forums to see if we're doing everything for our chickens we should be doing, and I'm confused. There are a lot of opinions!

I have 3 black australorp hens who are all 25 weeks old. One started laying today, another one acts "ready" also, and the third still shows no signs of being ready.

We have been feeding them all layer pellets for about 2 weeks now, and they also get treats (like leftover veggies and a little meat here and there) and scratch (mixed grains and corn), but it isn't much of their diet. They have access to a run with plenty of sandy dirt all day every day, so I don't give any additional grit.

I'm wondering if this is enough, or if there is anything else we should start doing, like supplementing with calcium of some kind. Can I please get some advise from experienced chicken-owners?

Thanks!

 

[Chicken Fruit]

layer pellets have the extra calcium needed by laying hens. When in doubt, read the bag or ask the store, but as a general rule its everything a laying hen needs.

Sounds like you got it under control.

 

[momofdrew]

I leave a dish of calcium in the pen... the hens will know if they need more than what their diet is giving them...

 

[Imp]

I agree with Chicken Fruit, sounds like you got everything under control. If you think they need more calcuim you can give the dark leafy greens and/or dairy or oyster shell.

Imp

 

[MIKE555444]

Carful about to many treats....

The layer feed has the correct diet for them and to many treats might keep them from eating what they need.

 

[Kullas]

sounds like you are doing everything ok. i would add oyster shell in another feeder as free choice

 

[LittleMamaBigPapa]

A +

Congrats on the eggs!

 

[LauraP]

Thanks everyone for all the words of wisdom!

I'll get them some oyster shells for them to take free choice. And don't worry, they don't get too many treats. Maybe a little bit of scratch every day or every other day, and other treats once a week or so.

And yes, we are thrilled about getting our first egg today! Can't wait to see if she does it again tomorrow!

 

[k2chickens]

i would look into feeding them oyster shells if you have the time/ cash