Got my first egg today

[Chasec5308]

Got my first egg today from one of my black australorp girls at approx 19-20 weeks old so I’m really excited about that. But that leaves me with a question. I just bought a sack of starter/grower yesterday expecting it to be another month or so before they started laying..can I finish this sack off then start feeding layer feed? Or should I go buy some layer Feed ASAP? Thanks for your help!

 

[GC-Raptor]

Get some Oyster Shells now and offer in a separate container. .

You can finish the Starter-Grower feed.
I have hens 23 months old and they have never had a Layers feed. I feed them a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18% with Oyster Shells separately.

GC

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Agreed that as long as they have a calcium source, you don’t need the layer feed.

 

[Chasec5308]

Awesome i appreciate yalls replies!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Even if you do want to switch to layers at some point, no reason to not use up the feed you have already. I "switch" over when I run out, after pullets begin laying.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

I have a rooster with my pullets, so no layer for them ever! Oyster shells in a few weeks, then eventually eggshells, congrats, it is a beautiful egg!

 

[Chasec5308]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Chasec5308]

something else i forgot to ask...i have a young rooster with my girls. hes roughly the same age as they are. Will it hurt him to eat the oyster shells that i put in the coop for them?

 

[quailmama 82012]

i dont think so...

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

something else i forgot to ask...i have a young rooster with my girls. hes roughly the same age as they are. Will it hurt him to eat the oyster shells that i put in the coop for them?

He probably won’t eat much...a little bit won’t hurt him. Layer feed has the calcium mixed in...this at least gives him the choice.