Do we switch to layer feed before they start to lay?

[JudyDetroit]

We have been feeding our 3 Isa Brown hens on Starter Feed since we bought them, but the bag's almost empty. They haven't started laying yet, but we figure they will do so any day now. Since it's almost time to buy more feed, we're wondering what to buy. Any advice?

 

[rosemarythyme]

How old are they? You just have the 3 hens, no chicks or roosters?

If they're 16-18 weeks or so, you could switch them to layer now. I personally prefer to wait until there's actually some laying going on, but it shouldn't hurt to switch production birds over a little before that.

 

[WVBirdsAndBees]

Some people do switch them to layer at 16-20 weeks. Others wait for the first egg. Different feed brands even have different recommendations.

Personally, we just put them out oyster shell around week 16 and keep them on a good starter/grower, all flock feed etc. The higher protein seems to be good for them, especially when they're still young, and layer feed may not be good for our roosters.

Any of the 3 options will probably work fine, as long as they are almost ready lay.

 

[GC-Raptor]

We have been feeding our 3 Isa Brown hens on Starter Feed since we bought them, but the bag's almost empty.

Any advice?

Put out a container of Oyster Shells at 15 weeks old.
My ISA Browns started to lay just after 17 weeks, at 18.5 weeks 3 of 5 are laying.

They are fed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18% and will continue to be fed that or a All-Flock crumble 20%.

I also have 2 year old Barred Rocks and they've never had a Layers feed.
If you want to switch to a Layers feed, I would wait till 18 weeks.
If you only have 3 chickens, I would look for a smaller bag of feed, 25 lbs or less. Feed gets stale fairly quickly if stored outside.
When I only had 3 hens, I fed this with a separate container of Oyster Shells.

It's readily available in 25 lb bags at my local TSC.
My pullets are very friendly. GC