17 week old chickens

[NeeCee51]

My 17 week old chickens keep sneaking some of my older chickens layer feed. I don't know how much they have eaten but I have caught them several times. They free range all day with the older birds so I don't think they are getting a lot of their food. They have not started to lay yet and I know at 18 weeks you can start them on layer feed. So should I not worry about it at this point or try and stop it...Thanks

 

[sourland]

If it were me, I would let it slide.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I wouldn't worry, it's not all cut and dry, lots of way of feeding, most are guidelines, I had a hen raise one chick in my flock, never switched from the layer, the hen is still with me, she's six years old, survived and thrived. Free ranging loosens the rules.

 

[NeeCee51]

That was my thought too. Thanks, I feel better now..

 

[NeeCee51]

That's great to know, I am going to stop being such a worry wart..."right" thanks so much

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It very hard for you to do something to cause your chickens demise, most illness or health problems are something you can't do anything about, enjoy them, but I do understand worrying.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

If it were me, I would let it slide.

x2 they are so close

 

[NeeCee51]

I think I am a little over protective..Thanks so much for the help..

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'd let it slide too but I would never raise baby chicks on layer feed.

 

[NeeCee51]

Thanks so much for responding...I would not give it to baby chicks, since they are almost 18 weeks I was hoping not to buy anymore grower feed. Thanks again..