All-Flock or Layer feed question

[DorothyBlancheandRose]

Hello all! I have three pullets who are laying and a fourth (Easter Egger) who is not yet. She is maybe 2.5-3 months old (the person I got her from wasn’t sure). Is it ok to switch them all to layer feed now or could I hurt the pullet who isn’t laying yet by doing so? I do feed supplemental oyster shells, but the layers don’t seem to eat it unless I mix small amounts into the food. Thanks!

 

[sourland]

Many never switch to layer feed and simply provide an all-flock ration with oyster shell on the side. They will eat the oyster shell if/when they need it.

 

[DorothyBlancheandRose]

It is nearly impossible to find organic Scratch n peck all flock in my area. It’s all layer formula. The closest place is nearly 30 miles, and I don’t want to feed crumbles or pellets, so is it harmful to feed the 2.5/3mo old layer feed at this point? I’ve read that you can switch at 18 weeks-ish, but also read not to.

 

[Willow2253]

Short term, feeding a non laying bird layer feed won’t cause much harm. But really layer is only for birds that are actively laying, because in the long run the excess calcium with nowhere to go can cause damage. I would personally still be giving a 10-12 week old bird grower feed, which they can all eat with oyster on the side as well.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It is nearly impossible to find organic Scratch n peck all flock in my area. It’s all layer formula. The closest place is nearly 30 miles, and I don’t want to feed crumbles or pellets, so is it harmful to feed the 2.5/3mo old layer feed at this point? I’ve read that you can switch at 18 weeks-ish, but also read not to.

I prefer grower but sometimes have issue finding it as well. Can you get starter instead? It's more finely milled, but they'll enjoy the extra protein.