Is it ok to give layer feed to 14 week old chickens? My chickens are 12 weeks now, almost ready to move in with the laying hens in the big coop in 2 weeks. Is it ok to give them layer feed at that age? The bag says to wait until 18 weeks but I really would like to move them out of their current living quarters. Its a bit small only giving about 1.5 sq ft per bird whereas the outside coop has about 8 sq ft per bird. Whats the worst that can happen if they switch to layer?
14 weeks is a bit young. I don't think it's likely to hurt them at 14 weeks (any younger and it can damage the kidneys) but it can slow growth. The calcium is just too high. Can you mix grower feed with your layer 50/50? Or switch the entire flock to grower feed? It's better to feed older chickens grower feed than younger chickens layer feed. This time of year adult hens need a protein boost anyhow.
Developer feed is less expensive usually than chick or layer, with less calcium and usually a variance in lysine. See is you can find some or like mentioned above mix....
