3.5 old hens....do I start laying feed and oyster shells now?

[flipflops]

I have 3 hens, a lavender orpington, buff Brahma, and a faverolle. None have started laying but should I start them on laying feeds or oyster shells? I currently have them on chick grit mixed with grower feeds.

Thanks!

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

Laying age is roughly 22-28 weeks old. Sometimes sooner, sometimes later. You can offer oyster shell free choice if you want. I'd wait till at least 20 weeks to switch food. You can always offer an all flock and free choice oyster shell instead of layer...
Lots of options but they don't need the extra calcium just yet.

 

[flipflops]

Ok so they are 16 weeks now so maybe just continue what they are on now and maybe introduce shells and layer feed in a few more weeks?

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

That's what I would do. By all means finish what food you have. Even if when it's time to switch them over and you have half a bag left. LOL There is some leeway so don't get too worried. Fed chickens is better then "perfectly fed"

 

[lazy gardener]

I have 3 hens, a lavender orpington, buff Brahma, and a faverolle. None have started laying but should I start them on laying feeds or oyster shells? I currently have them on chick grit mixed with grower feeds.

Thanks!

Did you mean to say that? GRIT mixed with grower? Or did you mean starter/grower? I would simply use up your current feed, unless it's old. Unfortunately, for the small flock, chicken feed often goes rancid before it's all used up. A published poultry feed expert states that processed chicken feed quickly starts to loose food value 6 weeks after mill date. Something to be aware of. Especially when you realize that many feed stores still get away with selling old rancid feed.

Offer oyster shell any time you want, certainly by the time they are 16 weeks old. They will eat it if they need it.

In my flock, I keep the entire flock on unmedicated starter while I have youngsters, and switch them over to layer any time after the pullets get their cluck, which means they are entering chicken puberty.

 

[flipflops]

Yes I mix in some chick grit that I have left with the grower feed. Is that not Ok? And yes I keep a close eye on the feed. Mine is still ok. I feed treats, eggs, meal worms, cheese, kale, oatmeal also a few days a week mainly as treats.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chick grit is too small for bigger birds. At 16 weeks they can take a larger size grit. You can offer it on the side or sprinkle some on the ground if you prefer.

 

[lazy gardener]

I personally would not put any sort of grit, or for that matter oyster shell IN THE FEED. Such items should be offered separately, free choice. Agreed with RT that grit should be appropriately sized. In most settings, the birds can find grit in their environment. But, if you live in a very sandy or silty area, or an area that is all clay, without appropriate hard stone, then you may need to supply grit.