Fully grown?

[aimee]

Okay, this is probably a really silly question but about how old are chicks when they are fully grown? I know how old they'll be when they start laying but I haven't read anything about when they're done growing.

 

[homesteader34]

You know im glad you asked that. I have been wondering also. I dont even know how old my chicks are. So its not a silly question at all.

 

[Whirlwind]

Most people start layer rations at 18 to 20 weeks. And most breeds will start laying by 26 weeks. I think fully grown or no longer called pullets but called hens by 1 year?

 

[akyramoto]

i personally consider them grown when they start laying

 

[silkhope]

I don't consider them "grown" until they're a year old (pullet - hen, cockeral - rooster).

 

[steffpeck]

So do you feed them the chick starter until 18 weeks or so??

 

[Whirlwind]

Yes I feed mine starter and then switched to layer feed and scratch at 18 weeks.

 

[aimee]

No, I don't think I made my question clear. I know the whole food timing thing but what I'm wondering is when they are as big as they are going to get?

 

[Whirlwind]

Oh! I think mine havent grown any since 5 or 6 months old.

sorry miscommunication.

 

[lurky]

So i have to ask.......I was told to feed mine 'grower' until they start laying eggs and then i should switch them to layer. Is this not right? I had a lady tell me hers would not lay eggs because she switched them to layer too soon. Any thoughts on this?