Barnevelder not laying - growers or layers feed?

[Parslee]

Hi, I collected a couple of Barnevelder pullets back in May. The older one started laying at 31 weeks, the second one is 5 weeks younger, currently 32 weeks, and not laying yet. I swapped them onto layers pellets 2 or 3 weeks after the first began to lay, thinking the second would also be laying imminently, but I'm wondering if I should have kept them on growers? Barnie #2 does not yet have fully developed wattles or comb, so I don't think is likely to start laying very soon, will it be harmful to keep her on layers for a few more weeks, or should I swap back to growers pellets? They've been on them for about 4 weeks now, and I'm wondering if it is slowing her maturing rate. They share with a pair of 3 year old hybrids.

 

[Skippersnh]

I would keep them on layer pellets at this point

 

[Frazzemrat1]

If they're not laying, don't feed them layer. The unneeded calcium can be bad for them. I'd keep them on grower or all flock.
Personally, I don't feed my chickens layer at all, just offer oyster shell on the side. They eat what they need.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Oh, and how rude of me....
Welcome to our flock!!!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens the lack of Daylight can and will make many stop laying

 

[Frazzemrat1]

There's that too ^^

 

[Jandsloch]

Got my 2 barnevelder in May this year 1 started laying in October the other just now started laying. Barnevelders apparently are good winter layers. Be patient I bet she will start laying soon. P.s. mine have been on layer feed with a side of oyster shells

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My barnevelder have always been sporadic layers. I personally don't use a layer ration because I keep various ages and breeds and not everyone is laying all the time. I feed either a non medicated starter grower or an All Flock ration with a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Layer isn't necessary.

 

[Parslee]

Thank you for the advice, I've popped out today and picked up some more growers pellets. They always have oystershell available too. I'll keep them on it until they are both laying. I'm told Barnies should generally lay through the winter (one of the reasons I chose them), so fingers crossed the shorter days aren't too much of an issue!