Can 3mo old pullets eat layer feed?

[UpstateNewbie]

I have a large coop with 7 one year old hens (australorp, faverolle, brahma) and a small coop set up right next to the adult run with 6 three month olds (brahma, wyandotte, golden buff). The babies are out growing the small coop and I was hoping to mix them with the adults ASAP. My concerns is that they will have access to the adult feed and I know they recommend 16-18wks as the starting age for layer feed. Are my concerns valid or will they likely be just fine?

 

[Pork Pie]

If it's possible, getting all flock / growers feed and having oyster shell in a separate feeder would be ideal. Non-laying birds will ignore the oyster shell.

If that's not possible then it's not the end of the world imo - I've done it in the past with no problems (though I only keep my birds for 2 years before replacing them, so I would not see any long term issues)

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I wouldn't. Not that I'd be worried about long term health effect at all but the short term is abundant calcium for pullets can set the pelvis bones causing laying issues. The pelvis bones widen when a bird first lays. You want them flexible until then.

 

[UpstateNewbie]

Thank you! I can definitely provide separate feeders with oyster shell

 

[Pork Pie]

Thank you! I can definitely provide separate feeders with oyster shell