Did I feed Layer feed to early?

[mamabchicks]

Hi all! Quick newbie question here, ok so we have 7 hens all the same age around 19-20 weeks old in various breeds (buff Orpington,RIR, black sex links and amerucanas). Our buff Orpington was the first to lay an egg at 19 weeks an we were thrilled! So I finished out my starter feed an didn't want to buy more plus I don't feed the birds seperate SO I just started putting out the layer feed I had pre-purchased for when the laying started. My question is.... Is it ok for the non laying birds to be eating it? They are all about 20 weeks old now. 3 laying an 4 have not yet. Could the layer feed delay a first egg for the others??:/

 

[QueenMisha]

Pullets should be switched to a layer between 16 and 18 weeks, regardless of whether they are laying or not.

 

[mamabchicks]

Great to know! Thank you so much just wanted to be sure it was ok

 

[chynasparks]

Pullets should be switched to a layer between 16 and 18 weeks, regardless of whether they are laying or not.

I've been researched mg this same question. Is see opposing answers. Seems to be disagreeing advise on this. My peeps are 19 weeks. 5 pullets. No one has layed yet. My hubby brought home a 50lb bag of layer inadvertently. Got it from out of town so it's not convenient to exchange. I was hoping to maybe mix it with a grower so it can be used and not expire. But, some say don't use to all of laying some say can feed now, some say start at first egg. I'm confused

 

[vweers]

I've been researched mg this same question. Is see opposing answers. Seems to be disagreeing advise on this. My peeps are 19 weeks. 5 pullets. No one has layed yet. My hubby brought home a 50lb bag of layer inadvertently. Got it from out of town so it's not convenient to exchange. I was hoping to maybe mix it with a grower so it can be used and not expire. But, some say don't use to all of laying some say can feed now, some say start at first egg. I'm confused

I asked at our local store and they said to wait until at least 50 to 80% where laying already before switching. Hard to say what is best. I have no hens laying yet.

Hoping soon. I might put out some oyster shells in another week or so. How long before it expires?

 

[chynasparks]

I've been researched mg this same question. Is see opposing answers. Seems to be disagreeing advise on this. My peeps are 19 weeks. 5 pullets. No one has layed yet. My hubby brought home a 50lb bag of layer inadvertently. Got it from out of town so it's not convenient to exchange. I was hoping to maybe mix it with a grower so it can be used and not expire. But, some say don't use to all of laying some say can feed now, some say start at first egg. I'm confused

I asked at our local store and they said to wait until at least 50 to 80% where laying already before switching.   Hard to say what is best.   I have no hens laying yet.   :/    Hoping soon.   I might put out some oyster shells in another week or so.   How long before it expires?   

Ok, I need to be smarter than the bag

. It's Nutrena brand. It says to start feeding it the the chickens at 16 weeks. My peeps are 19 weeks. It was bagged May 2015. I'm thinking I can feed it to them but with all the conflicting info out there I worry.

 

[vweers]

Don't know what to tell you. I read other opinions and not sure what to decide. My chickens are between. 17-20 weeks and none are laying and not sure they are even showing signs of laying. I would be concerned about too much calcium but then again this is my first time so I have no good experience.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I always switched my chickens to layer around 17-20, but then I have never had a chicken wait until 30 weeks to lay! Mine started like clock work between 18 & 22 weeks. I would not worry.

 

[vweers]

I always switched my chickens to layer around 17-20, but then I have never had a chicken wait until 30 weeks to lay!  Mine started like clock work between 18 & 22 weeks.  I would not worry.

Good to know. I still have growers anyways but then I will just get layers once this bag is gone. Since it will be at least a week or two before it is gone anyways.

 

[MysteriaSdrassa]

I always switched my chickens to layer around 17-20, but then I have never had a chicken wait until 30 weeks to lay! Mine started like clock work between 18 & 22 weeks. I would not worry.

Don't get Cochins then

Seriously,, my breeding stock will go up to 6 months or more sometimes before start laying. Slow but beautiful and oh so worth the wait