Chicken Calamity

[vnycum]

I’m so lost with what to feed my girl’s. I have 7 RIR and 8 Barr Rocks. Both Groups are almost 5 months old. Currently I have them on grow/finisher food. In the last week, eggs have appeared. Maybe 1 a day. Some have very soft shells. Here’s my question, I purchased Purina Layer food. Do I wait until more birds are laying and then change over or just feed everyone the Layer food. I don’t want to start to early and affect there future laying abilities.

 

[azygous]

Oyster shell. You don't even need to feed layer to laying hens as long as they have oyster shell to supply their calcium needs. Continue to feed the present feed until you run out. Just give them some oyster shell. This is a good practice even when feeding layer.

 

[Ebony Rose]

Where I live, oyster shell is not available at my feed store (or any feed store in this area). Instead, they sell ground up eggshell. You can also serve smashed egg shells back to your flock. I don't feed "layer" to my flock for a number of reasons; it has less protein, is not appropriate for chicks or male birds, and is not a good value for the money. I instead feed a high quality, high protein 'all flock' type of feed with eggshell served in a separate dish near their feed. Those that need the extra calcium will eat it, those that do not won't. Don't be surprised if your cockerels, roosters or even chicks grab a nibble of the eggshell every now and again as they too, need *some* calcium.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I agree, offer them oyster shell separately. The ones who need it will eat it, the ones who don't need it yet will pretty much leave it alone.

 

[chrissynemetz]

And welcome to BYC!!

 

[GC-Raptor]

Agree, offer them Oyster Shells in a separate container, available at local farm and feed stores and TSC (Tractor Supply Co). . I drilled 3/32 holes in bottom of pail to drain moisture.
Toss some on the ground in their pen.
When you have about a weeks worth of Grower-Finisher feed left, mix it with the Layer feed 50/50. That's what I do when switching feed. GC