NicChick Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 Hi Just got my Eglu Classic and wondered how much straw do I need to put into it. Do people just put it in the nesting box or all over the Eglu? I have 2 Light Sussex hens that I got today so its their first night in their new home. My kids have called them Susie and Snowy. Great to be part of the Eglu club and hope to post some pics in the near future. Also hope to get a few eggs in a couple of weeks. They are only 15 weeks old at the moment. # Thanks Nic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perfectspace Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 Hi Nic - We have Light Sussex Bantams at 10/11 weeks.... We just use shredded paper in the nest, and use paper in the tray. I'm led to believe you may have to wait a few more weeks for eggs, as Light Sussex start to lay a little later - 20 to 24 weeks? Perhaps someone can clarify that. Do you have them on Layers pellets already? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 We've tried it all and now only use Aubiose which you can get from feed stores. Wonderful stuff - lasts for ages. We found straw can get mangy and sometimes has bugs. Paper gets soggy faster than Aubiose. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicChick Posted August 22, 2010 Author Share Posted August 22, 2010 My Uncle gave me the hens and gave me some corn with them. He seems to think that they will progress better on the corn at the moment. I am new to this so open to any advice. Thanks Nic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 I use Easibed, similar to Aubiuse. I scater it in the poo tray and put a good depth in the nest box. Two of mine like to sleep in the next box so I have to poo pick each morning but it is a quick and easy job with Easibed. I only give corn as a treat in the afternoon, they eat layers pellets in the morning but I am not sure if yours are old enought yet or you may need to wait for a couple of weeks. I have only had POL girls. I am sure someone with more knowledge of younger chooks will be along in a minute. Welcome to the forum NicChick. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 At that age they will need some growers pellets really - corn alone is really only good for the odd treat however many people do feed mixed corn (which is mainly wheat) as its more of a traditional feed - it wont be the most optimum diet but will probably cause no harm. They can go on to layers pellets from 20-22 weeks ish or you can keep them on a mixed grain diet They will probably lay in a couple of months if they lay at all this year - they may wait till spring as they are pure breeds and these normally break from laying at least to some degree over winter A little Aubiose or woodshavings under the Eglu bars and in the nest box is a good practical set up, straw is ok in the nest box but you need to keep it fluffed up and check it for damp - its not the most ideal bedding but again a traditional one and again very few chooks have come to any harm from sleeping on straw its just not the best thing out there IMHO Everyone is different in their approach to chook keeping The mian thing is that the chooks are happy and healthy Welcome to the forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 Knew someone would be along soon. I thought they might be too young for layers. Enjoy your new chooks. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateCooke Posted August 23, 2010 Share Posted August 23, 2010 Enjoy your hens. I got my bantams 2 weeks ago and am desperately waiting for eggs but everything i read on teh forum leads me to believe that it might be some time, and i think my girls are up to a month older than yours. I do have one light sussex called Lotty. Let us know when you get an egg. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...