Can I switch?

[embkm]

I was wondering if it would be bad to switch my chicks to laying pellets now. The older ones are 18 weeks, and though they haven't started laying yet, they are all getting their color in the combs and they ALL do the squatting thing. And this week, at least 2 of them have started being ALOT more talkative (I guess that is "singing"). I'm pretty sure it is safe to switch them to layer pellets.

But I'm not sure about the 14 week old white leghorns. Since they are supposed to start laying earlier, would it be alright to switch them too? Or should I stick with the starter until I get eggs from all of them?

 

[faykokoWV]

I switched to flock raiser, its supposed to be good for a variety of ages, then I offer oyster shell as free choice. Once they all start laying, I'll switch. I haven't been able to find any answer if they laying pellets are ok for roosters though, so I may just stay with the flock raiser as they are doing well on it. I have four laying and 5 that should start in the next month

 

[Almost_There]

Go ahead and switch over. I would. Leghorns do start laying sooner than others so it would be ok for them and 18 weeks is the approx laying age for most chickens. Won't hurt em.

 

[embkm]

I've looked for Flock Raiser, but can't find it here. It's not at either the local feed store, or the TSC here. I went ahead and bought another bag of starter, but when I get halfway through, I think I will mix it with the layer feed.

Fay.... I've feed my roosters laying pellets and never had a problem.