Feed type/timing

[meginfl]

Do different breeds start laying at different ages?

I just got 4 Black Stars and 1 Black Australorp yesterday. The farm said they were all 4 months old. He told me to keep them on Purina Start and Grow until February and then switch to Layena or other layer food.

I have read other places that they should be started on layer feed at 18 weeks and have also read not until 20 weeks.

Which is best?

Thanks, Megan

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I usually switch them when they start to lay. That can be anywhere from 17 to 30 weeks. I think your sex links will probably start at the younger age of that range. Heritage breeds usually in the middle of that range.

 

[okiechick57]

I started my 4 month olds on the layer feed.....just happened they started laying right about the same time..........

 

[Smitty's Farm]

I think I started feeding mine the layer crumbles at 18 wks and they started laying a few weeks after that. Mine are all the same age and 3 diff breeds and they all developed at a diff rate.