Big girl food vs start and grow

[Nolagurl1956]

hi, how old should your hens be before you switch to layer feed? Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They all should be laying. I personally don't use layer. Mine go from grower to an All Flock ration. I put out a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs when they get to be 4-5 months old.

 

[Helloworld]

I follow Purina directions... 10 week starter then to omega plus mini pellets in red bag

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi.

Layer has more calcium and less protein (4%+ and 16%)... I NEVER switch. I use 20% protein flock raiser, as 16% is the bare minimum to support light bodied layers like leghorn and mine are all dual purpose birds. Feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids. And energy comes from only 3 sources... fat, carbs (including fiber), and protein... I choose my extra energy to come for protein which has more nutrients than the other choices.

I do provide oyster shell free choice on the side for those who need it for laying.

If layer is your choice... I would switch around 20+ weeks or AFTER I start seeing eggs.

Otherwise your current feed is fine and offer oyster shell starting around 16-18 weeks this time of year... laying hormone is dictated by light so diminishing days can make them take a little longer than spring layers.

Good luck!

 

[blackdog043]

I never change my feed. I use 20% start and grow with oyster shell in a separate container.

 

[Nolagurl1956]

They all should be laying. I personally don't use layer. Mine go from grower to an All Flock ration. I put out a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs when they get to be 4-5 months old.

Happy to report they are laying. I’ve been adding grit to the feed. What is All Flock ration? Thanks

They all should be laying. I personally don't use layer. Mine go from grower to an All Flock ration. I put out a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs when they get to be 4-5 months old.

 

[Nolagurl1956]

I never change my feed. I use 20% start and grow with oyster shell in a separate container.

20% start and grown and what makes up the difference? I add grit to the feed. Should I separate that out? Thanks

 

[Folly's place]

Oyster shell is for calcium, for laying hens who want extra. Grit is rock, for their gizzard, to grind up any food given besides crumble or pelleted feed.
I never mix either into their diet, but offer each separately.
I also feed Flock raiser to everyone.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

I think that in the UK, 'grit' can mean oyster shell.
Mary

 

[blackdog043]

20% start and grown and what makes up the difference? I add grit to the feed. Should I separate that out? Thanks

what makes up the difference of what?
I have oyster shell and grit in separate containers. They should not be mixed with the feed.