After what felt like an eternity…

[StarfishPrime]

Picked up our day olds on May 4th and just found these yesterday. About 18 weeks for my girls. Thankfully, we haven’t had any issues with them (health-wise), other than the odd one getting out and going back to their previous wee little coops/runs.

I was caught a little off guard, actually. Need to switch to laying feed ASAP. I didn’t expect them to start laying for almost another month.

 

[LaFleche]

Congratulations! Frist eggs are the best and so exciting!

 

[LaFleche]

View attachment 3265900
Picked up our day olds on May 4th and just found these yesterday. About 18 weeks for my girls. Thankfully, we haven’t had any issues with them (health-wise), other than the odd one getting out and going back to their previous wee little coops/runs.

I was caught a little off guard, actually. Need to switch to laying feed ASAP. I didn’t expect them to start laying for almost another month.

No need to switch, just put out an extra dish containing calcium/crushed oyster shells free choice.

 

[StarfishPrime]

No need to switch, just put out an extra dish containing calcium/crushed oyster shells free choice.

If only I had those…
Might just put out crushed egg shells for the time being.

Also, don’t the laying hens need less protein now than grower feed contains?

 

[LaFleche]

Instead of turning the protein into body growth, they now will turn it into nice and healthy eggs for you, but they need protein just the same.

 

[ShrekDawg]

If only I had those…
Might just put out crushed egg shells for the time being.

Also, don’t the laying hens need less protein now than grower feed contains?

You can find it at most feed stores at least here, not sure about Canada.

 

[StarfishPrime]

Would there be any difference between using a layer feed vs. the grower feed they’re now getting + the oyster shells?

Aside from cost, of course.

On the one hand they have calcium in every bite, and on the other they take in the calcium based on their needs. Is that right?

Also, what determines egg size? I just gathered 5 that were quite small. Is it just the luck of the draw?

 

[LaFleche]

Also, what determines egg size? I just gathered 5 that were quite small. Is it just the luck of the draw?

They start off small and the eggs will continuously get bigger. The second year even bigger, the third much bigger and so on.
Provided they get enough protein, fresh water and healthy living conditions.

ETA: And, of course, depending on their breed.

 

[TX Chick Noob]

Would there be any difference between using a layer feed vs. the grower feed they’re now getting + the oyster shells?

Aside from cost, of course.

On the one hand they have calcium in every bite, and on the other they take in the calcium based on their needs. Is that right?

Also, what determines egg size? I just gathered 5 that were quite small. Is it just the luck of the draw?

The other big difference is usually protein. A lot of people feed all flock or continue to feed grower, and in both cases provide free choice oyster shell on the side, so that they continue to have a higher protein source to assist with molt/feather growth and because they also need plenty of protein for eggs. I feed Nutrena Hearty Hen which is considered a layer feed but has 18% protein which is higher than most layer feeds. And I also provide oyster shell on the side for any that feel they need more.