feed question as we head into cold weather

[Artpen]

Hi,
This is probably a dumb question. My pullets are now 16 weeks old. I am now thinking that they probably won't lay until after it warms up again in the spring. Considering that, should I go ahead and switch them to a layer feed in about a month even though they aren't laying?
Thanks!

 

[chrissynemetz]

You don't necessarily have to give them layer feed. You could switch them to a flock raiser/all flock feed, and offer them oyster shell in a separate dish. They'll eat the oyster shell only if they need it.

 

[Alaskan]

Hi,
This is probably a dumb question. My pullets are now 16 weeks old. I am now thinking that they probably won't lay until after it warms up again in the spring. Considering that, should I go ahead and switch them to a layer feed in about a month even though they aren't laying?
Thanks!

You don't have listed where you are located.

A low of 0F is wildly different from -20F, etc.

I do think that if they aren't laying, it is best to not feed layer.

However, if the temps stay close to 0 F or below, I think chickens do much better on a higher protein feed, so 18 or 20% protein.

 

[Gray Farms]

You don't necessarily have to give them layer feed. You could switch them to a flock raiser/all flock feed, and offer them oyster shell in a separate dish. They'll eat the oyster shell only if they need it.

Agreed 100%

 

[RoosterML]

Layer feed is for laying birds. If they aren’t laying no need to offer it. Once they start you could give it to them.

 

[Artpen]

Thank you all for the replies! We are in SW Virginia, so it very rarely gets below freezing. I’ll keep them on the grower feed.

 

[Kiki]

Hi,
This is probably a dumb question. My pullets are now 16 weeks old. I am now thinking that they probably won't lay until after it warms up again in the spring. Considering that, should I go ahead and switch them to a layer feed in about a month even though they aren't laying?
Thanks!

Yes...they will be laying and it doesn't hurt to start them on layer feed a few weeks before they start laying eggs.

 

[Kiki]

Great book:
https://www.nap.edu/read/2114/chapter/1