17 week pullets switch to layer feed?

[Afors]

Hi there,

We have two RIR an Easter egger and a blue sapphire. None of which are lying yet, my wife claims they’re done free loading and it’s tine to produce. They’re waffles and combs are getting more developed every day and brighter red too. But I am curious if I need to switch their feed or just start adding some oyster shells. They free range a bit every couple days for an hour or two but they don’t love outside their coop as Much as I thought they would. They’re currently on a starter/grower with occasional treats. I’ve read some thoughts on keeping them on this feed and adding oyster shells or switching to layer feed. But just wanted to get some more thoughts on it. Thanks!

 

[DougVC]

Personally I leave mine in starter grower until everyone is laying. Once everyone is laying, I will use up the starter/grower I have left and then switch to layer. Once they are laying I offer oyster shells but not before then. Too much calcium can be a problem for birds not laying, so I tend to error on the side of keeping them on starter/grower longer. Our RIR was the first to lay from our batch and she started at 18w.

 

[swamphiker]

Until they are laying, it can be harmful for them to get the extra calcium that is in layer feed. I would continue to offer starter/grower and have some oyster shell on the side once the first one starts laying. I hope you get some eggs soon! My pullets are around the same age as yours and I am eagerly anticipating that first egg.

 

[Doc7]

I use Purina flock raiser Mostly but I will purchase Any major brand that has the latest manufacture date when I go to the store (tractor supply).


The way I figure, more than half the year:
- you have chicks
- you have hens not laying due to daylight hours
- you have hens not laying due to molt (and this can be months and months of the year if you look at all the times any single hen is molting)
- You have a broody
- You might have a roo

I just see no reason to buy layer feed when any given day one of these factors could be impacting the flock and layer feed would negatively impact at least one bird. This is why I don’t even consider any feed but the most recent mill date Flock Raiser (any brand) with a can of oyster shell always present


That is a copy paste of another post I’ve made but basically, Feed all your chickens flock raiser from hatch until death.

 

[GC-Raptor]

We have two RIR an Easter egger and a blue sapphire. None of which are lying yet,

The RIRs should Start laying in 1 to 5 weeks. The EE typically starts laying around 24 to 30 weeks or longer. I don't know about the BS.
I offer a separate container of Oyster Shells after 16 weeks of age.
A separate container of Poultry Grit "Granite" is provided after 7 weeks old.
You don't want them to substitute Shells for Grit.

I feed all my chickens after 10 weeks old a Non-medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock crumble 18 to 20% Protein.
I don't feed a Layers feed.
I have chickens 7 weeks to 22 months old.
The chicks are still on a medicated Start & Grow.

I wouldn't switch to a Layers feed till at least one of each breed "type" is laying. GC

 

[Afors]

Thank you!