3 weeks on layer feed...chickens not laying...

[jre8806]

Hello, I have a flock of 10 birds. Currently 6 are 20 weeks of age(4 white leghorns and 2 Rhode Island reds), and the others (3 Barred rocks and 1 EE) are 18 weeks as of today. Three weeks ago, one of my older birds (White Leghorn) laid her first egg, and I decided to give the entire flock layer food after that. Over the past few weeks I now have about 3-4 layers (3 are white leghorn and another is a light brown egg, assuming a RIR). The others are not laying yet. I have a little anxiety thinking I've permanently jacked up the other birds by giving layer feed too early. Am I being impatient, or is this something to worry about. Currently using Nature's Best Organic Layer Pellets. Any help would be appreciated

*Edit: I currently have them in my back porch with a couple of nest boxes on the floor until I can get my coop finished within a week or two.

 

[Percheron chick]

Relax. They're just fine. The younger group is a month or two from laying. If it will reduce the stress, pick up another bag of chick starter or grower and switch them over and by the time they finish it up they will all be ready for the layer.

 

[jre8806]

it won't hurt the younger group bring on layer feed this long before laying? I appreciate the advice. This is my first flock

 

[aart]

it won't hurt the younger group bring on layer feed this long before laying? I appreciate the advice. This is my first flock

The lower protein might slow their growth a bit, but it's not a death sentence.
Many folks never use layer feed.
I feed a 20% all flock type feed with oyster shell in a separate feeder for the active layers.