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For reasons of cost and convenience, many owners switch to a "layer" feed if they have a flock of entirely laying hens, because its cheap and meets the minimum average dietary needs for laying hens in commercial setting.
For many of us with backyard flocks of mixed breeds, ages, sometimes including roosters, and more frequently including additional species (like me and my ducks - see my flock in my signature, below), the only practical, pragmatic solution is an "All Flock" or "Flock Raiser" type feed, which are marketing terms for a moderate protein (18-20%) feed - enough to raise young birds, more than adequate for layers, which doesn't result in scrawny meaties (though they will be slower to plump), with a mix of minerals supporting breed needs in addition to chickens, without being dangerous to chickens.
Because it has less calcium (usually around 1 - 1.25%) than layer (usually 3.5-4%), we supplement with free choice oyster shell. Initially, all the birds will try it, because its new. they will almost immediately lose interest. The birds who are actually laying, however, will crave it an consume it as needed to maintain their calcium levels, while your babies, your males, and your non-laying hens (such as during molt) will leave it mostly alone.
and then we only need to stock one food, and don't have to segregate for feedings.
Yes, its a little more expensive this way, usually $1-2 / 50#, but my time is worth something too. I find the trade off more than fair, and my birds are healthier for it.
