[Soozie]

Is there a recommended ratio of grit and oyster shell mix?

also our hens seem to be huddling together in the corner of their house instead of using their perch. What is the best way to teach them to perch?

Thank you

[Kathie]

Hi Soozie,

Welcome to the site.  Not sure about the grit etc. as ours freerange and find their own. As for the huddling, I would wait until they are all in the coop and then gently lift each one on to the perch.  Don't be put off if it takes a little while, we have one bantam that uses one of the nesting boxes as her own bedroom!
Good Luck

[PaulineM]

Hi
Are your girls new? As Kathie says it might just take them a while to learn how to perch.
If they are not new and this is a new thing that they are doing have you checked for mites on their perches. 

[Casey76]

Hi Soozie,

For the grit and oystershell, it is better if they are both available in separate containers.  the hens will pick out what they need.

To teach them to perch, some hens do it automatically when they come into lay.  However if they have been barn reared, you may have to lift them onto the perches each night.

It usually only takes a week or so before they get the idea