When to offer crushed oyster shell and opening the nest boxes

[dtpauly]

so you give them oyster shells once they start laying? Where do you put it?

 

[dtown2002]

When they start laying, you can put the shells in a bucket and it into the coop or run.

 

[dtown2002]

When they start laying, you can put the shells in a bucket and it into the coop or run.

But ONLY when they start laying, not BEFORE they lay. This should be about 18 weeks or more.

 

[dtpauly]

Ok thanks, they are 18 weeks this week. I'd better go get some oyster shells so I'm ready. Also, another question - someone told me that you should be some powder stuff on them to prevent bugs?

 

[dtown2002]

Ok thanks, they are 18 weeks this week. I'd better go get some oyster shells so I'm ready. Also, another question - someone told me that you should be some powder stuff on them to prevent bugs?

I never heard that

 

[aart]

Ok thanks, they are 18 weeks this week. I'd better go get some oyster shells so I'm ready. Also, another question - someone told me that you should be some powder stuff on them to prevent bugs?

Powder stuff on what.....the oyster shells or the chickens?
If the birds have bugs, lice or mites, then a poultry powder with permethrin can be applied to the birds to kill the bugs.

 

[dtpauly]

Ok, I'm not aware of them having bugs, so wasn't sure if it was a precautionary thing to put on them, but it sounds like only if they get them. Right?

Another question - what would you put on the top of a fence to keep them from hopping from their coop roof to the fence that has 4 dogs on the other side?

 

[aart]

Ok, I'm not aware of them having bugs, so wasn't sure if it was a precautionary thing to put on them, but it sounds like only if they get them. Right?

Another question - what would you put on the top of a fence to keep them from hopping from their coop roof to the fence that has 4 dogs on the other side?

Right.
Some folks use poultry dust and other chemicals preventatively,
but that can cause resistance...I only use it when they actually have bugs.


Move coop away from fence?
String 2 or 3 wires about 3-4" above fence top and apart so they can't land on top of fence and then go over?
Install a foot or so of floppy chicken wire to extend fence height.....and again so they can't land on top of fence and then go over?

 

[dtpauly]

Can't really move the coop, but I was thinking about chicken wire already, so that sounds like it might be a good option. Thanks!

 

[aart]

Can't really move the coop, but I was thinking about chicken wire already, so that sounds like it might be a good option. Thanks!

You might also think about excluding their access to the top of the coop, with same fixes as suggested with fence.