8 month old chickens are not laying

[Josh0625]

What kind of supplemental protein would you suggest?

a lot of people use fish meal. I personally have no experience with supplements. We use table scraps and free ranging.

 

[sbhkma]

I feed a 20% protein all-flock feed and also have free-choice oyster shell. I never feed layer feed, as I prefer the higher protein since layer feeds tend to be 16-18% protein and all-flock is great for mixed-ages/genders of birds. If they have access to oyster shell they'll consume the calcium they need when they're ready to start laying and you won't be feeding too much calcium to roos, which can cause health issues. And I have a couple Welsummers that will be 36 weeks this Friday. No eggs yet and although I check daily, I am expecting them to wait until March to start laying.

 

[rjohns39]

As a rule, I feed to the lowest common denominator. So if I have big and little together, I feed to the requirements of the littles and give oyster shell on the side for the bigs. I always have grit and oyster shell available for them.

If you have some starter left, I'd put it out separate from the layer and see if they are interested. I did not recommend changing feed as that can cause your layers who are laying to quit.

A lot of folks start with a 20-22% starter for 3-6 weeks, then go to an 18-20% grower until they lay and then convert them to a 16-18% layer. Others stick with the grower or all flock forever.

Aside from offering them some starter/grower free choice in addition to the layer, I wouldn't suggest tampering with their current diet.

 

[rebrascora]

Another issue may be that you have too many males in your flock causing stress to the young pullets, if they are all running together still. Do you have any plans for the excess cockerels? If you plan to keep them, a bachelor pad is a good idea.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I feed either a non medicated starter grower, or an All Flock. I no longer use a layer because of the lower protein content. The extra oyster shells is provided by an extra bowl of oyster shells.

 

[Josh0625]

I feed a 20% protein all-flock feed and also have free-choice oyster shell. I never feed layer feed, as I prefer the higher protein since layer feeds tend to be 16-18% protein and all-flock is great for mixed-ages/genders of birds. If they have access to oyster shell they'll consume the calcium they need when they're ready to start laying and you won't be feeding too much calcium to roos, which can cause health issues. And I have a couple Welsummers that will be 36 weeks this Friday. No eggs yet and although I check daily, I am expecting them to wait until March to start laying.

I had no idea there was such a feed. I often wondered why there wasn't. What brand do you buy and is it at a chain supply store or something local. I ask because I've never seen any in my area before!!

 

[sbhkma]

Purina Flock Raiser crumbles. I get it at Tractor Supply.

 

[Josh0625]

Purina Flock Raiser crumbles. I get it at Tractor Supply.

That's where I shop as well....Maybe I overlooked it. I will be asking about this on my next trip. SO do you use this in place of the starter crumble for chicks or do you feed starter for a little while first

 

[sbhkma]

That's where I shop as well....Maybe I overlooked it. I will be asking about this on my next trip. SO do you use this in place of the starter crumble for chicks or do you feed starter for a little while first

I use this in place of starter crumble, since everyone of all ages is together and most starter is 20% too. So it works for me!

 

[WhiteWyan]

I suggest nutrena feather fixer.... Pellet with 18% protein and 3.5% calcium.