Feed Question: 25 weeks/ not laying

[PunkRockChicken]

I have 5 chickens in my flock. 3 are 25 weeks old ( a Frizzle, a Sizzle, and Silkie - all bantams) and 2 are 20 weeks old ( not bantams- a Barred Rock and a Wyandotte). I have been feeding them Manna Pro Organic Grower Crumbles. They still have not laid a single egg. They have a very large run, free- range in the mornings and evenings, and most of the day on weekends. They also have never had any fights between them or any undue stress. I’ve heard that maturing during the winter months can also delay laying, but I live in Southern California and it’s still about 70 degrees during the day. My question is: They are almost out of their grower feed. Should I switch to layer feed now due to their age?? I’ve also read that starting them on layer before they’ve layed an egg can cause them health issues?? If I need to keep them on grower, should I start offering oyster shells separately?

 

[Gray Farms]

Switch to layer and offer oyster shell when they start laying. Going by age isn't a good way to switch. As not all birds mature at the same pace.

 

[Melky]

I think it is ok to switch to layer feed 16% with poultry grit and oyster shell on the side or when you get first egg. Regardless if switch feed. Still ok to give poultry grit and oyster shell on the side. Oyster shell starts at 15 weeks no matter the feed. Hang in there. The birds still need to mature, get to breed weight, and mature physically. Maturing in the winter months can delay laying. Pullets will start when ready. Mine were hatched first week of june. I have 1 layer out of three laying. I did switch to 16% layer feed gradually over a week. Mine were on starter grower 18% with poultry grit and oyster shell on side (OS at 15 weeks). One went into lay at 28 weeks. Hope this helps!

 

[PirateGirl]

It will not hurt them to keep them on grower. You will likely get as many answers on this as there are members of BYC Personally, I choose not to feed layer and stick with a higher protein feed for a mixed flock because it seems there is never a time where EVERYONE is actually laying. Someone might be sick, or broody, or molting, or male, etc. As long as they have at least 16% protein (most layer feeds) and oyster shell available (they really do eat it when they need it and leave it alone when they don't) they should be just fine! Keep an eye on them, this time of year combined with their age, I bet you have eggs soon!

 

[BullChick]

It’s not the weather, and changing feed is fine.
The first year, time of year doesn’t typically matter. I say typically because I’m in the NE, and I’ve never had a delay, but some people swear they have.
Layer feed has calcium. Right now, the pullets have enough for laying good eggs. If you switch feed, and they don’t lay for another three years, it will have built up in their bodies, and might be an issue.
This is why some people flip about roosters getting layer feed. Though I’ve never heard of anyone actually having an issue with their 4-year-old rooster because of the feed. I can go ask Steven, but he’ll just crow at me, and complain about the cold...
Now for the “why?” There is no rhyme or reason. Sometimes they take a few extra weeks. Oftentimes, they are lying already, but have hidden their eggs somewhere, including under bedding. I have even found eggs in the rafters.

 

[PirateGirl]

I had one lay her first egg at almost exactly 11 months of age... talk about a dud! Since then, however, she has been one of my most consistent layers.

 

[Acre4Me]

We have 6 breeds, all laid between 18-24 weeks of age. Well, except for the Dark Brown Leghorns. They are all 10 months old.... one DBL laid first egg around 38 weeks. The other two...not a single egg. We have higher protein feed, oyster shell, good run, adequate nest boxes, they eat, they drink, they roost, they don’t lay eggs. Curious if they will start before their first “hatchday”, on Feb 28. Good luck!

 

[Aceoky]

You don't really need to switch feed, bigger breeds imho do much better on higher protein. I would however go ahead and put oyster shell out they won't eat it (other than initial curiosity) unless they need it IME at least. They will pull calcium out of their own bodies to make the shells, but they should replace it with outside sources (oyster shells offered at all times free choice) .

We have > 60 mixed sexes & ages they get 21% protein (with animal protein) Country Road meat bird feed (because it's available locally and FRESH dates) also free choice along with some BOSS & whole corn for "treats" .

 

[RoosterML]

I am at nearly 8 months and finally my Orpingtons and Legbar just started laying recently. No need to even change to a layer feed if you offer oyster shells and if you do switch to a layer feed as others have said do it after the first eggs of all have been laid

 

[PunkRockChicken]

Thank you so much for all of the great advice. I stuck with the grower feed and put out oyster shell for them..... and we got our first eggs today!! 2 of them to be exact! And it’s freezing cold and been raining nonstop ‍ I’m so excited, you would think I layed them myself