frizzles and silkies---need to know

[georgiegirl]

I have some beautiful frizzles that are 13 weeks old. And some silkies that are 10 weeks old. How old are they when they start to lay? And should I feed them laying feed? If so, when to start. I need to get the nests ready for them. Since they are small birds, should the nests be small too? Thanks

 

[bugladyleah]

They should start laying around 16 weeks or so. I think most people start feeding layer rations around 10 weeks (it should give you some guidelines on the feed bag). I start giving mine layer pellets as soon as they are big enough to handle the pellets, but they also get scraps and are free-range. Good luck!!

Leah

 

[BUG126]

my frizzles are 20 weeks old and nothing yet. You dont start feeding laying ration UNTIL they start laying, its harmful to them before that.

 

[georgiegirl]

exactly what I needed to know!!! Thank you soooo much!!!

 

[silkiechicken]

Since they are not production type birds, don't be surprised if they are 5-8 months old before they lay. Feed layer about when they start. My silkies start to lay a bout 6 months old, but the late bloomers are even older.

 

[LilPeeps]

Quote:
Agreed. They are not production birds. I've had some silkies not lay until they were over a year old.

 

[sianara]

My silkies didn't start laying until they were 8 & 9 months old.

The norm is to feed medicated chick starter for the first 3 months, then chick grower from 3-6 months. It's usually safe to start feeding layer pellets around 6 months of age even if they haven't started laying yet. At that point I'd also give oyster shell free choice.