Changing feed

[KarenAbbe]

I am new to the chicken world. I have a flock of 6 chickens (about 15 weeks old) and we just got our first egg this morning! The chickens are still on starter grower feed, but I know I’m supposed to change over the feed once they start laying. However only one is laying and it doesn’t seem the other hens are ready to lay yet. Should I switch them all over the Layer Feed or should I continue to feed them starter grower feed until they all begin to lay? Thanks. So much to learn. I attached a pic of my first egg since I’m so proud of my little hen who laid it!

 

[TooCheep]

Very nice! First eggs are the best.

I wouldn't feed layer feed to non-layers. They can't get rid of the extra calcium and might develop gout (a *very* painful condition). Instead, offer calcium in a dish on the side.

 

[KarenAbbe]

Very nice! First eggs are the best.

I wouldn't feed layer feed to non-layers. They can't get rid of the extra calcium and might develop gout (a *very* painful condition). Instead, offer calcium in a dish on the side.

Thanks for the reply! If I offered calcium in the side how do I make sure the hens that are not laying don’t eat it? Sorry super new to this.

 

[featheredplanets]

If you put a dish of oyster shell down they’ll figure out what it is and only those needing calcium will eat it. Once they’re all laying you can switch to layer or carry on with starter feed and oyster shell.

 

[KarenAbbe]

If you put a dish of oyster shell down they’ll figure out what it is and only those needing calcium will eat it. Once they’re all laying you can switch to layer or carry on with starter feed and oyster shell.

Thank you! That makes sense. I appreciate your reply.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can switch over once they all start laying, or you can switch over according to the directions on the bag of feed you're using (many manufacturers suggest 16 - 18 weeks to switch over... if you have production/hybrids there's a decent chance that this will coincide with when they first start to lay).

Or you can continue with grower/all flock with oyster shell on the side to supplement for calcium.