Hmmmm....what to feed the girls?

[ChickieNugget]

Our girls are around 7 months old (hatched over the summer) and haven't started laying yet. Since it's now winter I don't expect that they will until spring time. We've been feeding them Starter/Grower feed but wondering now if we should change their feed to layer feed or just wait until they start laying. Thoughts?

 

[sourland]

Some switch to an 'all flock' type feed and provide oyster shells on the side. Day length is increasing, and they may start laying.

 

[azygous]

It's customary to feed layer only after they begin to lay. You aren't required to feed layer feed to laying hens as long as you provide a calcium source.

Many of us gave up trying to balance feed for a mixed flock that includes baby chicks, laying hens, old, retired hens, and roosters. An all -flock feed such as Purina Flock Raiser is what I feed all the time, and it works just fine for the layers. I even feed it to baby chicks instead of chick crumbles.

 

[chickens really]

I only feed a Grower finisher feed once off Starter. I supply Oyster shell in a separate bowl. I never feed layer.

 

[Aceoky]

I'm not sure what breeds you have, that being said with the longer days they could start laying. I also don't feed layer, but I would offer oyster shell free choice in a bowl ASAP .