17 week old pullet laying

[2DogsCoop]

I just got my 17 week old RIR pullets and one of them laid an egg in the shipping container. My question is, I bought starter feed (24% protein I think) I know it is the low to mid 20's so since I have at least one of my 5 laying should I switch them over to layer or is it okay to keep feeding them the starter?

Thanks

 

[CCourson05]

I would say switch to layer... Are they all relatively the same age?

 

[2DogsCoop]

They all hatched the same day according to Murray McMurray! It isn't going to hurt them to finish the bag of starter I have or should I switch now?

 

[aggie9296]

The starter shouldn't hurt them, but the layer has the added calcium they will need. Might supplement with oyster shell until they get on layer.

 

[2DogsCoop]

I already put an oyster shell feeder in my coop!

 

[jaketheeggman]

nice oster feeder. Have you have thought of making a feeder like that?

 

[Celtic Chick]

Pullets should start on layer ration at 18 weeks of age, but since you already have the starter, I would suggest mixing the starter with some layer ration & feed that to them. Also be sure to give them oyster shell and grit.

 

[debid]

Is the starter medicated? I wouldn't feed medicated starter to a layer.

 

[2DogsCoop]

No, it is not medicated.

 

[TajMahalChickens]

Quote:
Like Celtic Druid said, I would just mix the two together. That way you use that starter that you have, but they start to get the nutrients they need for laying.