When should I let my pullets out with the hens?

[rosemarythyme]

What if the chicks get onto the oyster shell?

They'll probably play with it a bit but shouldn't have any real interest in eating it. My oyster shell dispenser hangs so I simply hang it up higher out of their reach.

 

[ehoneybee]

Ok. So I'll get another bag of chick grower and some oyster shells

If I do get all flock, do I need to supplement the hens with anything?

 

[hispoptart]

Yes you will still need to supply oyster shell for the older girls.

 

[sunrise.superman]

They'll probably play with it a bit but shouldn't have any real interest in eating it. My oyster shell dispenser hangs so I simply hang it up higher out of their reach.

A little off topic...how do you hang your oyster shell dispenser?

 

[rosemarythyme]

A little off topic...how do you hang your oyster shell dispenser?

It's a plastic parrot cage cup. I have a scrap piece of welded wire on a wood frame that's screwed to the coop wall, so the cage cup can be moved up and down easily.

 

[ehoneybee]

It's a plastic parrot cage cup. I have a scrap piece of welded wire on a wood frame that's screwed to the coop wall, so the cage cup can be moved up and down easily.

I was thinking of using the metal feeder I have that hangs onto hardware cloth. How much do they eat a day? I have 5 hens.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I was thinking of using the metal feeder I have that hangs onto hardware cloth. How much do they eat a day? I have 5 hens.

I fill it maybe once a week? My cup holds probably 1/2 cup or so. They shouldn't eat THAT much of it (you may find they'll gorge in bursts). I just check every few days and fill as needed.

 

[Chickassan]

Nobody has brought this up but the chasing and pecking are normal.
It will get better when everybody starts laying.

 

[sunrise.superman]

It's a plastic parrot cage cup. I have a scrap piece of welded wire on a wood frame that's screwed to the coop wall, so the cage cup can be moved up and down easily.

 

[sunrise.superman]

Thank you!