Can I introduce new pullets to coop prior to 16 weeks?

[Godzillamax]

We have four chickens in our coop, and this March picked-up eight more. The pullets are thirteen weeks old today, and nearly as large as our four yearlings. After the new birds out-grew their brooder we transitioned them into our barn into a 5'x10' temp coop (made out of PVC piping and chicken wire). I'd like to integrate the pullets into the coop, but my concern is that the pullets are still eating the medicated grower feed while my older birds are on layer feed. Reading the package on the grower feed it says the pullets should be on that feed for 16 weeks, or three weeks longer. Since I have no way of segregating the birds inside the coop/run I have no way of assuring that once integrated the pullets wouldn't eat the layer feed if I have both types of feed into the coop/run. I'd like to know, is that 16 week period a hard cut-off for when pullets can start eating layer feed? If so, then I will keep them in my barn for three more weeks. But if pullets can start eating layer feed sooner I'd like to move them to the coop and integrate them with the older birds.

Thanks!

 

[Den in Penn]

The age to start layer is when they reach POL. A very variable time. Most breeds reach that age around 20 weeks. The extra calcium in layer is hard on the non layers kidneys. So for that reason it is a bad thing to start layer before they will use the extra calcium in egg shells. When I am integrating young non layers in the flock I will switch them all over to grower with a calcium supplement on the side for the ones laying. One feed, (non medicated grower), for one flock. Simple. They really don't need medicated feed after they have been exposed to the pathogens on your place for the couple of weeks it take for their immune system to come up to speed.

 

[aart]

Ditto Den in Penn ^^^^

I like to feed a 'flock raiser' 20% protein crumble to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and all molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided during molting and if I see any feather eating.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer.