Can pullets that are 30 weeks but haven’t laid their first egg have layer feed?

[AODonnell]

I have 2 younger girls that are 30 weeks old. They haven’t laid their first egg yet. I believe it’s because it’s cold here in Idaho. Can I give them layer feed? Or do I wait for that first egg? I have been feeding my flock all flock for now because I have had mixed ages. But just wondering what would be best for my girls.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I understand the problem. If they are not laying and are on a high calcium feed like Layer they may have kidney or liver damage. This damage is not instantaneous, it is cumulative damage over a time period. There is no telling how long it will be before those pullets start laying.

The way I get around that is to feed all the chickens a low calcium feed like Grower, All-Flock, or Flock Raiser and offer oyster shell on the side. The ones that need it generally eat enough. The ones that don't need it (roosters, juveniles, and non-laying hens) don't generally eat enough to harm themselves. With the oyster shell on the side, when those pullets are getting ready to lay they should be able to get the calcium they need.

 

[AODonnell]

I understand the problem. If they are not laying and are on a high calcium feed like Layer they may have kidney or liver damage. This damage is not instantaneous, it is cumulative damage over a time period. There is no telling how long it will be before those pullets start laying.

The way I get around that is to feed all the chickens a low calcium feed like Grower, All-Flock, or Flock Raiser and offer oyster shell on the side. The ones that need it generally eat enough. The ones that don't need it (roosters, juveniles, and non-laying hens) don't generally eat enough to harm themselves. With the oyster shell on the side, when those pullets are getting ready to lay they should be able to get the calcium they need.

Thank you! I will keep giving them the all-flock and oyster shells on the side until everyone is laying. Appreciate the advice!

 

[FrostRanger]

They can actually be fed an all flock feed indefinitely as long as they have crushed oyster shell on the side. It's actually better to feed that way long term as all flock usually has more protein and you don't have to worry about who's laying and who isn't, everyone can have the same feed without issue. Hens will usually take a break around fall/winter due to reduced light and molting and they'd need to be put on an all flock. If they are on it to begin with you have to change nothing. I've fed my own flock of 7 hens that way for 2 years and it works well