Feeding Started Pullets

[jamieneenah]

HI;

I just purchased some started pullets. One of them is laying. Is it ok for them to have some layena since they should be laying soon? or should I hold off and wait until I see them start laying?

Thanks
Jamie

 

[Hillbilly Rooster]

What I use is the 16% Dumors layers mash that I get at TSC and mix with cracked corn. That is all and I have no problem with my eggs.

 

[jamieneenah]

Quote:
At what age do you start them on the layers mash?

Thanks
Jamie

 

[Hillbilly Rooster]

there is a schedule on the back of the bag I last looked was at 15-18 weeks.

 

[ella]

At that age either is fine, but they won't need the extra calcium until they lay.

I keep mine on starter/grower, with free choice oyster shell on the side, until they all start laying. Reason being my pullets are not production breeds and many don't start laying until 20 or more weeks. They grow a little slower and lay a little later. They make better use of grower than layer.

But they're done with the explosive growth of chickhood so layer would not hurt them.

 

[Glenda L Heywood]

well the chickens do need some grit with calcium in it
especially if you are feeding corn
I would quit the corn now as it is just fat put on their gut

also the layer will not hurt them
you can feed them whole horse oats and of course the mineralized grit with calcium
as oyster shell is not for grinding
it goes straight to the gut and even if it goes to the gizzard it will just decompose and become soften crumble of calcium
that is how it is used in the chickens make up
grit is the only kind for grinding

whole horse oats is great for hens as it gives them much energy and good make up with the layer feed to produce eggs
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