Age that layer isn't dangerous to youngin's?

[Jeffross1968]

I have a bunch of layer pellets, and can't really head out right now and get grower. My 4 twelve or so week old pullets are frequenting the large coop where my layers have their laying pellets, and eating their food. At what point does layer food stop being dangerous to younger chickens? Having two age groups is getting annoying

They've been spending more and more time in the big coop. Very soon I expect them to make the move on their own. They currently have medicated grower in their coop, which is removed during the day because the older ones spend time in their little coop.

And yes, I've talked to both groups about this issue...I don't think they're very good listeners...

 

[magicpigeon]

Quote:

I give layer pellet to my chickens once they show signs of being ready to lay...i.e. red comb, squatting etc. A small amount won't kill them but I wouldn't exactly recommend letting them wander where there is free layer pellet everywhere to gorge themselves on

 

[Jeffross1968]

Well, I do have to say that they stay in their own coop/run until noon or 1pm every day, then they are let out to free range. I would say 85 or 90 percent of their waking hours are either munching on their grower, or free ranging. Do you think that 10% of the day that they might be gnawing on some layer would be harmful?

 

[jeremy]

I switch my birds to layer pellets at 16 weeks and have never had any issues.

 

[magicpigeon]

Quote:
Considering they aren't real "chick chicks" I wouldn't think so

 

[alaina]

I've been told to wait until they start actually laying eggs, reason being that layer feed has too much calcium for growing pullets.

 

[aggie9296]

Mine started on layer full time at 12 weeks and started laying at 16-17 weeks and have been fine.

 

[Jeffross1968]

I always figured that the danger was in giving them layer exclusively at a younger than laying age, but that I'd probably be safe if they were only supplementing their regular feed and free ranging. I don't think I'm going to worry about it.