Another question on feeding...

[AnnieOK]

Hey all,

My chicks are 12 weeks old today. I've been feeding them start-grow-lay crumbles and am wondering when to switch them to the next level of food. I bought a bag of feed the other day that is a layer feed and is 18% protein. Is it too early to start this? They are so big it seems like they should be older than 12 weeks, that sounds so young. Thanks for any advice.

 

[donrae]

Why are you changing from the current feed? If it's a starter to layer, it should be similar to my all-in-one, which is what I feed everyone. But if you want to switch to layer, lots of folks say not to until they're actually laying cause the calcium can cause problems. Personally, I don't think there's that much calcium that a few weeks would effect them that much, plus roosters and non laying hens eat layer food all the time.

 

[Beekissed]

Same here....at that age, I wouldn't worry about feeding layer ration. Won't hurt them a bit.

 

[bairo]

20 weeks or when you see an egg, whichever comes first. Switching them early will not make them lay any earlier.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

20 weeks or when you see an egg, whichever comes first. Switching them early will not make them lay any earlier. 

X2

 

[AnnieOK]

Thanks y'all, for your answers. I didn't think it would make them lay faster, but for some reason I thought there was something about the protein content that needed to be changed at some point. Might be getting this mixed up with dogs.

Thanks again. Think I'll finish this bag of layer, then go back to the start-grow-lay.

I'm going to have to post some pics of them. I'm so proud of them! They are beautiful! Thanks again.