layer feed

[riyadh123]

when should chicks start eating layer pellets. Please could you tell me the exact number of weeks? i've heard 12

 

[enola]

Most people wait until the first eggs start coming

 

[brahmabreeder]

Mine that are in the breeder coop right now are at least 6 months old and get 50/50 layer starter feed. I like to wait until about 6 months or when the first egg gets laid to completely switch them over. Sometimes I go sooner than this on the birds that were hatched late in the season just so I can move the few stragglers into the main areas and get hatching again LOL.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I usually wait until the eggs appear, but there'd be no problem in just making the switch at 18 weeks. That is what Purina recommends. I make no endorsement of Purina, but here's their chart.

 

[birdsrfun]

18 weeks is a good 'general' age to switch. Depending on your breed, your hens may not lay until about 24 weeks. What breed are your hens?

 

[yogifink]

Beacuse I have a mixed age flock, the pullets go into the main coop and run when they are the same size as the hens that I currently have. When they go to the main run, their food is changed. I'll mix 50/50 for a week or two proior to introducing them. No issues yet.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Most people wait until the first eggs start coming

This is what I do and it has worked out fine so far. If your in a pinch you could mix some layer pellets with the grower just before they are ready to lay, but I wouldn't advise that. It might cause problems if you give them to much?? Not sure on that one.

Good luck!

 

[riyadh123]

welsummers, ko shamos