Switching to all flock

[Overthinker]

Wrong thread, my bad

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Wrong thread, my bad

you can delete them. Its OK.

 

[Overthinker]

So the chickens are 18 weeks, can i go ahead and set out some oyster shell or am I supposed to wait until i find an egg?

 

[Overthinker]

Also, should i put a few fake eggs in the nesting box?

 

[Overthinker]

Also, when can i stop getting chick grit and get big girl grit?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

@Overthinker Yes, and Yes.

Expect all your birds will peck at the oyster shell - chickens explore the world with their beaks, after all. Once the "newness" has gone away, only the birds needing it will eat in any quantity.

Also, expect new layers will drop eggs in all kinds of strange places, at least initially, before they figure things out. Even with fake eggs and real eggs in the boxes, start of lay for my mutts almost always involves one or two days of an egg on the ground, under a roosting bar, etc.

/edit Now. Big girl grit.

 

[Overthinker]

Does the fact that its winter change the fact that they might start laying soon. I mean will they wait till it warms up or more light or something?

 

[NatJ]

Does the fact that its winter change the fact that they might start laying soon. I mean will they wait till it warms up or more light or something?

Pullets that mature as the days get shorter in the fall will usually lay their first eggs at a later age, and pullets that mature as the days get longer in the spring will usually lay their first eggs at a younger age.

So yes, the season could have some effect, but there's nothing you need to do about it.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Does the fact that its winter change the fact that they might start laying soon. I mean will they wait till it warms up or more light or something?

Good thought. *MAYBE*. Not maybe its a good thought, maybe is your answer. and its daily light levels, not temperature, that triggers it. But new layers are famous for starting in spite of low light levels and laying right thru. AND light levels are increasing. So maybe they will delay, but don't be surprised if they don't.

That said, if your GLW and SLW are like my SLW, 18 weeks is likely too early - mine started between 24 and 28. EE are mutts, its anyone's guess - LOTS of variation. Your barred rock could be any time now, or as late as 26 weeks - but 20-24 weeks is the estimate I normally offer.

"Start of Lay" isn't a date you can mark on the calendar, not even a guaranteed range. Its more like a strong suggestion. They will lay when they lay.

 

[Overthinker]

Hmmm sounds like now or next month. Maybe I'll wait till i find an egg to put out oyster shell if it's safe too.

Do i have to use straw or is pine shavings okay for the nesting box