Can I feed my 12 week old birds layer feed

[Strathmorechickens]

Hi there,

I am wondering if it’s ok for my 12 week brahmas to be switched to layer feed so I can integrate them in with my big coop? Or can I have two separate feeders and hope they eat out of right one? Not sure if I am overthinking it.


Thanks

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

They are too young for layer feed. The best thing to do is feed all flock and offer oyster shells on the side for the hens until everyone is laying

 

[RoosterML]

They are too young for layer feed. The best thing to do is feed all flock and offer oyster shells on the side for the hens until everyone is laying

X2

 

[OliverWilkins]

They look great! I like the black ones and the grey one is very beautiful too. And I also think that they are too young for layer feed. So I agree with this advice. By the way, I am engaged in the garden improvement and would like to get your advice. I want to attract forest birds and small wild animals in my garden. I randomly came up with this idea, I found this blog faunafeeders.com, and I decided to install such a bird/squirrel feeder. Who has had such an experience, please share your thoughts.

 

[Starburst]

Beautiful birds! They look like they’re growing well! @MadamPoofyBrow has offered excellent advice.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

All Flock/Flock Raiser and free choice Oyster shell, as the other posters suggested.

Layer's only benefits are cost and the extra calcium for your laying birds - but as almost all of us free choice Oyster as a bit of (very inexpensive) insurance against soft shells, its sole benefit is a cost advantage relative to All Flock/Flock Raiser. But to enjoy that benefit, your whole flock needs to be composed of laying aged hens, preferably not in molt. As Brahma tend to be slow developing birds late to lay (my own aren't laying yet, and they cross into week 27 on Thursday), i would definitely NOT be adding that extra calcium to their diet at such a relatively young age.

Apart from that, I think the higher protein content of All Flock/Flock Raiser is of benefit to all birds, even layers, in terms of growth rate and relative healthiness, as well as helping reduce molt stress in the future.