16 Week Old Egg Laying

[lilgreene19]

Organ damage from calcium overdose may not show up for years. If your birds are just livestock and you plan on culling every couple of years as you go, that may not matter to you.

The other problem with using layer feed early is most layer does not have optimal protein for the fastest growing phase. Chicks are generally fed around 18-20% or so protein, some people offer even more. Adding in scratch, generally 10% or so protein, further diluted down the protein. I offer around 19% protein first 6-8 weeks or so, then reduce it to around 17% or so to start slowing rapid growth, then down to 16.5% once they're laying.

Tractor Supply gave us 1 bag of starter feed & then they were outside getting layer crumble, per Tractor Supply and what they told us. So for 6 weeks they got starter and then switched to Layer Crumble..

 

[rosemarythyme]

Tractor Supply gave us 1 bag of starter feed & then they were outside getting layer crumble, per Tractor Supply and what they told us. So for 6 weeks they got starter and then switched to Layer Crumble..

Yeah unfortunately you didn't get great info. At least they did get some starter but they really could've used another 10 weeks on it.