No. The hens will lay with or without the rooster. The rooster is only really needed if you wish to have fertile eggs and replace aging stock or need protection for the free range flock.
Yes most hens require mineral to form an adequate shell for the egg. If they don't have enough calcium the shell is thin and easily broken. If they get too much calcium though the shell can become...
Hens begin laying at about 18-22 weeks on average, with some as early as 16 weeks and some as late at 25 weeks. influencing factors include breed, amount of sunshine and nutrition.
All egg laying...