Diet Changes and Ages

[buckeyefever]

When should I start adding Oyster Shell to my girls diet?

They are 12 weeks old and are currently finishing off a bag of Grower crumbles. Should I start feeding Layer pellets now? They also free range, whenever they decide to come out of their coop, which is not that often right now.

Thanks for your help!

 

[chickee]

I feed pullet grower until they start laying, then organic layer pellet. They don't need oyster shell until they start laying, in fact it may damage their internal organs if you feed it too soon.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Don't feed layer or extra calcium until they are 20 weeks old or the first one starts to lay.

This site should help.

Oregon State - Feeding Chickens
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/pnw/pnw477/#anchor1132074

Alabama - Feeding Chickens
http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1317/