Feeding coop ready pullets

[dustin1025]

I currently have 5 hens over a year old. I have 3 Jersey giants in the brooder (thinking one is a roo). From what I understand they probably won’t be laying eggs for awhile. When they are big enough to join the other girls, do I switch everyone back to the starter, or feed the new pullets the layer feed? They all free range and the food just stays in the coop. Thanks.

 

[nuthatched]

Stay on starter until they are all laying, laying feed can hurt roosters and non laying hens.

 

[dustin1025]

Stay on starter until they are all laying, laying feed can hurt roosters and non laying hens.

So I can switch the hens back to starter? Or do I have to keep them separate until the pullets start laying? I read for jersey giants can take 8 months to lay. Thank you.

 

[AntiqueB]

You can feed them all starter until they're all laying, around 18 weeks. Just make sure they have oyster shell on the side, so the layers can get the calcium they need.

 

[dustin1025]

You can feed them all starter until they're all laying, around 18 weeks. Just make sure they have oyster shell on the side, so the layers can get the calcium they need.

So my older hens who have been laying and on layer feed can switch to starter until the new pullets begin laying?

 

[dustin1025]

I don’t plan on introducing them until at least 4-5 months, but they will probably still will be on starter and not laying.

 

[AntiqueB]

Yes, but be sure to give them oyster shell so they have the calcium they need.

My year-olds have never been on layer feed (I only give them grower), and their shells are strong, and the birds themselves are healthy.

 

[Matejka]

So my older hens who have been laying and on layer feed can switch to starter until the new pullets begin laying?

Yes

 

[dustin1025]

Yes, but be sure to give them oyster shell so they have the calcium they need.

My year-olds have never been on layer feed (I only give them grower), and their shells are strong, and the birds themselves are healthy.

Okay thank you! Yes, they always have oyster shells available.