This is my first year with chickens. I switched from grower to layer feed at about 16 weeks as that was when I used the last of the grower and didn't think it made sense to buy another 50 lbs. when they should be laying soon.
I suspect that switching early may have delayed their laying as I didn't start getting eggs until about 26 weeks. I'm guessing that they may have reached maturity a little sooner if left on the grower feed longer. Again, this is my first year with my first flock so what do I know? Just guessing based on what was expected and what actually occurred. In any event, they are all laying now. Next time I will try leaving chicks on grower until I get my first eggs.
Rob
I suspect that switching early may have delayed their laying as I didn't start getting eggs until about 26 weeks. I'm guessing that they may have reached maturity a little sooner if left on the grower feed longer. Again, this is my first year with my first flock so what do I know? Just guessing based on what was expected and what actually occurred. In any event, they are all laying now. Next time I will try leaving chicks on grower until I get my first eggs.
Rob