When to change the feed

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Tenmore

Tenmore

Chirping
8 Years
Jun 2, 2011
263
3
99
Ogden utah
At what age should I change from chicken starter grower to the pellet layer feed? Im getting two differnt answers from local feed store hope I didnt screw up. My 13 young ladies and my young roo who wasnt supposed to be are..... well Ive had them 15 weeks and were probably about 2 weeks when I got them give or take a few days.
idunno.gif
 
I was told to use starter grower until the chicks are about 4 months old. I am not an expert, so I am very interested in what someone with more knowledge says. My chicks are 16 weeks old, so I am facing this same situation.
 
well the first person at the feed store told me 3 months and they would be fine and today Their chicken "expert" told me no till about 5 to 6 months or when they start laying. I switched at 3 months before I found this Forum just hope I havnt hurt them. they look big and healthy so hope no damage done....
 
Normally, one doesn't like to feed the high calcium layer feed until the pullets are actually at point of lay. That point varies by breed, but if one waits until the eggs actually appear, then the time is for sure.

Unless you fed them layer feed for months, I seriously doubt any harm was done. All feed has some calcium, it is just the extreme amount added to layer feed that younger, non-laying birds just don't need.
 
So do i want to switch back for a moth or so? or do I keep them on the layer pellets?
idunno.gif
. I have 4 white leg horns 4 americannas 3 black sexlinks and 1 black sexlink roo and 2 golden sexlinks just for info... 15 to 16 weeks old
94514_ckick4.jpg
 
I am sorry for hijacking but similar question so I think it fits in. my production reds are in same coop as my light brahmas, I understand the reds could lay at 16 weeks but the brahmas much later, I suppose I will switch them all over at once, any harm to brahmas if they are not laying yet?

Edited to add - very nice birds you have!
 
Last edited:
The person at my feed store said it was fine to mix the starter with the layer food. I would just do that. Then you've got the best of both worlds.
 
Starters should go up to about 8 weeks max. Starter and Growers can wait about 16 weeks. After that, just give them layer feed.

And I don't know about this whole 6 month thing, for my hens have laid their first few eggs, and they were born in March.
 
The man who sold us our chicks told us to switch to layer feed at four months. He said too much calcium too soon can cause bone deformities. Since you mentioned it, I'd thought he'd said our barred rocks would start laying at nine months. It sounds like everyone else is sooner. Does anyone know when barred rocks lay? I might have heard wrong.
 

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