Feeding at 18 weeks

[bluefrog87]

I have never found it to cause a problem with any pullet 18 weeks or older. There are so many rules on this board that I am glad I never heard of 21 years ago IMHO. Always have most pullets laying by 20-22, low mortality & healthy roosters & hens. No "why aren't my hens laying at 30+ weeks" etc. and no my hens are sick etc. Just saying you are not going to mess up pullets feeding layer at 18 weeks. JMHO.

It's not a forum rule it's more a veterinary. A 18 week old hen with whatever breed you have is probably starting to lay eggs. It is very breed and climate dependent. However, if you are unsure if all your birds are laying being you have a couple late bloomers feeding growers with a side of calcium is the better feed option. Some chickens won't lay eggs until 14 months old (silkies worst case scenario).

So layer feed is for when they are all laying

It's easier to say when their all laying then to go thru the different breeds and give an approx time.


The layer feed if given too soon will cause hypercalcemia (calcium overdose) and this will lead to kidney stones, liver issues, neurological issues and muscular issues

The grower feed with a side of calcium will not cause the above issues and the chickens that do need calcium will be able to get it. The side of calcium helps prevent hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency) and you don't overdose the non layers

http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/pou...itional_requirements_of_poultry.html#v4698325

http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww22eii.htm

 

[Cindy in PA]

Didn't say it is a forum rule. Just saying there are so many do & don'ts parroted on this forum & then an extraordinary amount of "problems". Read a simple article like I did in 1993 & you may be better off. I am not saying you are incorrect, I'm just saying it is not the rocket science sometimes found on this forum & now in BYP Magazine. You don't need a how to manual with minute details to raise chickens successfully. Feed them well, give them room & clean water & you will get eggs. Guess it's just the way of the world, no one can figure out these things on their own.

 

[Gardenlady2]

Thanks for all the responses! Seems like no clear answer.....I don't want to harm my birds. Problem is that I'm raising them exclusively on organic feed, and it has to be ordered. Next delivery is a week from Monday, and I'm pretty sure I'll run out of grower feed before then. For those if you against feeding layer at this point, do you think it would hurt the birds to eat layer for a few days until I can get more grower feed? Or maybe I could start now mixing half layer and half grower feed for the next week? That way they won't get as much calcium since only half their feed is layer?
I appreciate all the advice!
A thought.....roosters don't lay eggs but they eat layer feed with the higher calcium and are fine, right? So why would the calcium be a big problem for an 18 week old hen who isn't laying?

 

[bluefrog87]

Thanks for all the responses! Seems like no clear answer.....I don't want to harm my birds. Problem is that I'm raising them exclusively on organic feed, and it has to be ordered. Next delivery is a week from Monday, and I'm pretty sure I'll run out of grower feed before then. For those if you against feeding layer at this point, do you think it would hurt the birds to eat layer for a few days until I can get more grower feed? Or maybe I could start now mixing half layer and half grower feed for the next week? That way they won't get as much calcium since only half their feed is layer?
I appreciate all the advice!
A thought.....roosters don't lay eggs but they eat layer feed with the higher calcium and are fine, right? So why would the calcium be a big problem for an 18 week old hen who isn't laying?

With a mixed flock the grower with a side of calcium works fine (rooster and hens). Think of it as an all you can eat buffet for chickens. Plus layer's feed is more expensive than growers, Most organic feed stores sell by the pound.

 

[Gardenlady2]

In the brand I buy through Azure Standard, the layer feed is a few dollars cheaper than the grower feed. Both come in 40lb bags and are soy-free and corn-free. I guess the layer is cheaper since it has less protein.

 

[bluefrog87]

In the brand I buy through Azure Standard, the layer feed is a few dollars cheaper than the grower feed. Both come in 40lb bags and are soy-free and corn-free. I guess the layer is cheaper since it has less protein.

Where you 're at maybe. Grower feed is less expenisive here. I use Coyote Creek. This is one of those regional dependent things.

 

[Gardenlady2]

Grower feed is almost gone. I ordered another bag but it won't be here until Monday. So I'm mixing grower and layer in the meantime. Might give them a few hard boiled eggs to make sure they have enough protein. Spoiled birds...