How to Care for Your New Point of Lay Chickens

A local guide from Caloundra Produce & Landscape Supplies

Thinking about bringing home some Point of Lay (POL) chickens? Great choice! These girls are around 17–18 weeks old and on the brink of starting their egg-laying journey. But before the first egg lands in the nesting box, there are a few essentials to make sure your flock settles in happy, healthy, and ready to thrive.

Here’s everything you need to know — and everything you can pick up in-store at Caloundra Produce & Landscape Supplies to get started.

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🐔 What Are Point of Lay Chickens?

Point of Lay chickens are young hens just about to start laying eggs — usually between 18 to 22 weeks of age. While they’re not laying just yet, they’re right on the edge of becoming egg machines. It’s a great time to buy because you’ll form a bond with them early, and you’ll be able to provide the perfect conditions for healthy laying to start.

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Set Up Their New Home

Before your chickens arrive, make sure their space is ready.

Bedding & Nesting

Comfort is key. Bedding not only keeps the coop clean and fresh, it also helps insulate and manage moisture.

At Caloundra Produce, we stock:

• Nesting Boxes – handmade locally these give your ladies a comfortable warm spot to lay.
• Compressed straw bales – absorbent, soft, and great for nesting boxes
• Wood shavings – an easy, affordable coop option

🧼 Tip: Change bedding regularly to avoid respiratory issues and keep things hygienic and pest free

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Feeding for Growth & Egg Production

A balanced diet now will set your POL chickens up for a lifetime of strong shell and healthy eggs.

Complete Chicken Feed

We stock a range of quality, purpose-formulated poultry feeds, including:

• Barastoc Golden Yolk Layer Pellets
• Green Valley Grains Poultry Mix
• Laucke Mills Red Hen Layer Crumble

These are specially designed to support healthy laying hens from around 18 weeks onward.

Check out the Full Range of Chicken Feed here and shop online.

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Boost with Supplements

Chickens benefit from the occasional boost, just like us.

Health & Protein Supplements

• Mealworms & Insect Mixes – excellent protein source for feather growth and egg development
• Shell grit or crushed oyster shell – essential for calcium to build strong egg shells
• Worming & gut health blends – to keep parasites at bay naturally

You’ll find all of these in-store in our poultry care section.

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Healthcare Essentials

Even healthy birds need a little help staying that way. We recommend:

• Multivitamins – for stress support and immune strength
• Natural mite and lice sprays – to prevent common coop pests
• Electrolytes & probiotics – ideal for settling new birds or during hot weather

Our friendly team can help you choose what’s best for your flock.

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Extra Tips for First-Time Owners

• Secure fencing is a must — foxes, dogs, and even curious neighbourhood cats can be a problem. Also consider snakes.
• Shade and fresh water are vital, especially in the Sunshine Coast heat.
• Check daily for signs of illness or distress — a droopy tail, lethargy, or pale comb can all signal a health issue.

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Everything You Need, All in One Place

At Caloundra Produce & Landscape Supplies, we’ve got everything you need for happy hens:

• Feed & feeders
• Bedding & cleaning supplies
• Supplements & treats
• Healthcare products
• Chickens! (when in stock)

Check out the whole range here:

📍 Visit us at 51 Pierce Ave, Little Mountain
📞 Call to check current stock or get advice from our experienced team.