17 week old pullets - 2 questions

[bigoakhunter]

I have 3 breeds: Black Australops, Plymouth BR's and Amueracanas. They are 17 weeks old.

1. The nest boxes have been boarded up the whole time and they are all roosting every night. When do I uncover them and stick the golf balls in?

2. I have enough grower pellets to get me through about Thursday, (17 weeks and 5 days). Should I go to elevator and get another bag of grower? Or switch them to Layena? I already have a bag of the layer pellets bought as I had a coupon that expired the end of December.

Happy Holidays to all you BYCer's! This is the best site!!!!

Dave

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

1. NOW

2. Get the Layena

 

[write2caroline]

I would not be in a hurry to switch feed until they actually start to lay. Compare the ingredients and the percentages first Not just the protein but the Lysine and methionine. I would clear away any blockages to the nest boxes but be prepared for them to poop in them.

My Barred Rock layed her first egg at 21 weeks, I was prepared for them to start laying at 18 weeks - But nothing happened. My GLW did not lay her first egg until 29 weeks and the other still has not layed an egg and she is now 30 weeks old, My Silver laced wyandottes were hatched same day as the barred rock so I am not anticipating any early laying from them.

Watch the combs redness and for squating and egg song. I heard egg song the night before Dot GLW laid her egg but she did not lay the egg until the next day at around 10ish AM
Caroline

I know it is hard to wait!

 

[Elite Silkies]

My Australorps did not lay until they were over 26 weeks old. I would wait to switch the feed.

 

[KandJsmama]

I seem to remember that the bag of Starter/Grower says to switch to Layena at 18 weeks so that is what we did. In case they start laying soon you won't have to worry about getting medicated eggs.

 

[write2caroline]

Starter feed - if you get the medicated one is medicated - I don't believe grower feed is medicated - It has more protein and Lysine and the other methionine
CAL

 

[write2caroline]

It does recommend switching at 18 weeks - I did! I was very sorry for doing that because my girls are delayed in laying and it could possibly also be the fact they were not getting what they should have had from grower feed.
CAL

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
I agree.

 

[bigoakhunter]

Well, I pulled the board from in front of the nestboxes. I built a wood ledge in front of the boxes for them to have easier access. When I opened th coop door after the work was done, the dominant hen came in to coop first, looked around and then stared at the open nestboxes with a look as if to say, " what are these?".

I got a picture, I'll try to download and post it tomorrow.

I am undecided as to switching to layer pellets yet. I may wait.

 

[beachchickie]

I would unblock the access to the nest box during the day and add some golf balls. I would put temporary block to the access at night. Help them know what to do and what not to do. I would go ahead with the Layena. At this point it is ok for them, economical for you, they are almost ready.