Grower vs Layer Feed . . . when do you make the switch

Blulaced Damsel said:

I am jumping in here, admittedly haven't read the ENTIRE thread, but so far haven't seen an answer to my predicament.
I have chickens ages 23 weeks (just started laying), 16 weeks, and 9 weeks, all living together.  I would like to start feeding my layers proper layer feed, but instructions say not to feed it to younger birds. I must say, the shells and quality of the inside are both fabulous, I just would like to bump up the frequency of lay...   Any advice?

This issue is not likely to let up soon, as I am getting more day-olds at the end of the month and as soon as they are feathered they will join the flock.

Thanks!!

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Blulaced Damsel said:

I am jumping in here, admittedly haven't read the ENTIRE thread, but so far haven't seen an answer to my predicament.
I have chickens ages 23 weeks (just started laying), 16 weeks, and 9 weeks, all living together. I would like to start feeding my layers proper layer feed, but instructions say not to feed it to younger birds. I must say, the shells and quality of the inside are both fabulous, I just would like to bump up the frequency of lay... Any advice?

This issue is not likely to let up soon, as I am getting more day-olds at the end of the month and as soon as they are feathered they will join the flock.

Thanks!!

Click to expand...

srhmchlk said:

I'm in the similar boat, I have 20 week and 10 week old chickens living together. Will not be switching to layer until all are laying. I was confused on what to do at first as well.

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Mutt Farm said:

Hi! Using layer feed only provides extra calcium that the laying hens need. It will not increase egg laying frequency. Wish it did! Both of you have hens that are at or near point of lay (POL) so you should be providing free choice oyster shell. Only the hens that need it will eat it. There is never a "need" to switch to layer feed as long as you provide oyster shell. Once everybody is laying, you can switch to layer if you like for convenience. Best of luck with your flocks.

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Blulaced Damsel said:

If they do not have access to oyster shell (there is a small amount in the grower formula that I feed) would it be safe to assume they are getting enough elsewhere if the shells are good and strong?

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Blulaced Damsel said:

If they do not have access to oyster shell (there is a small amount in the grower formula that I feed) would it be safe to assume they are getting enough elsewhere if the shells are good and strong?

Click to expand...

junebuggena said:

If you don't provide them with a source of calcium, their bodies will have to draw it from their bones. This is why providing calcium is important. Yes, pullet can lay eggs with good quality shells without being supplemented calcium, but at what cost? They will only be able to maintain that shell quality at the expense of their own bones. To keep them healthy and laying well, they need to be provided with a source of calcium.

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