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?