Am I OK with Layer Feed?

[MimiChick]

I bought 3 pullets about a month ago. They haven't started laying yet and I don't know how old they are. From another post I'm guessing they are about 14-16 weeks old. The person I bought them from said they were POL, so I've been feeding them layer crumbles, a little scratch now and then and fruit and veggie treats. They free range on the 4 days I don't work and for a couple of hours at night on the days I do work. I'll need to buy feed in a few more days. Do you think I should keep on with the layer feed or go with a grower feed? I have an Ameracauna, a Barred Rock and (I think) a Marans (I got them because I was told they would each lay a different color egg). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Pics of my girls for reference.

 

[sjarvis00]

They dont look 14 to 16 weeks old. I would go with the grow feed.

 

[the lemon tree]

Yup, I agree with sjarvis00-your pullets don't look 14-16 weeks old. I'd say 8-10 weeks would be my best guess.

 

[JessHall]

So far, everyone is right on. They look too young to be put on layer feed. Layer feed would give them too much calcium for this point in their lives, and it could be harmful to them.
There's some debate as to when to start on layer feed. Some say when they start laying, some say 18 - 20 weeks. If I were you, since you don't know their ages, I'd wait until you get your first eggs and then switch.

Good luck. They're pretty little girls!

 

[MimiChick]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll go to the feed store tomorrow and get some grower (?) feed for them. Should I just swith it out or should I mix it with layer feed until that's gone?

 

[HappyHatch'en]

I have the same problem....no eggs and my girls are 5 months old, and no eggs...the person I purchased from told me to put them on layer feed because the grower has to much protein....I sold two birds and that person reported back to me the birds started laying eggs three days after she had them....go figure....I'm still waiting for my first omlet.

 

[vnploveschickens]

I would go ahead and switch out to the grower feed. Layer has too much calcium at this point. But later, as they start to lay, you can mix the layer into the grower so it won't go to waste.

BTW, you have cute little girls!!

Val