How early can you move to layer without problems?

[Jeffross1968]

I know that the extra calcium in layer feed can harm chicks. I have a mixed age flock, so have always fed starter/grower with free choice oyster shell. All my girls lay regularly and with good shells save a couple. I have one hen who is laying a pretty thin shell, and another who hasn't laid anything but soft shells for 4 or 5 months. I've gone through all the different ways of fixing it to no avail. Every once in a while she leaves an egg that is at least intact, which I feed to the dogs. But most are usually soft shelled and ripped open in the laying box. I don't think she cares for the oyster shell.

Anyway, I have some younger birds in the flock. I've read that the extra calcium in layer is too much for them and can do damage. They free range from about noon until dark when they put themselves away, so whatever feed I use is not their only source. We are on an acre of mountain land, and there is tons of greens and bugs for them this time of year.

So what are the risks of feeding layer to 3 month olds? How about 4? Do I need to wait until they are laying to actually feed them layer?

I'd like to hear from others with mixed age flocks who also allow them to free range. Would the extra calcium in layer, that they only feed on half the time actually hurt them?

 

[luvinmychickens]

It depends, at 16 weeks they should be switched to layer, they need the calcium and protien. 4 month olds can start on the layer crumbles as well as any others that are older than that. Any under should stay on grower for a few more weeks until they are 4 months old. Maybe try seperating the younger ones that need starter/grower from the ones that need the layer.

 

[Erin~TheChickenLover]

I do not give layer until the pullets start to lay. You could give it earlier and risk giving it to them too early, but I personally don't want to take the risk. Different chickens start laying at different ages and so the recommended time to start can really be a touchy thing. I wouldn't hesitate to give my red stars and other layers layer feed at 16 weeks. However, I would not give my bantams layer feed that early. Nor would I give it to heritage breed chickens and other slow growers at 16 weeks. Finisher has everything they need until the chickens start laying. You can even feed full grown chickens finisher with oyster shell on the side. That is what I would do in your case. That way the younger birds could get their finisher and the older birds could get the calcium they need. Chicks should be given starter/grower because it has the extra protein they need for healthy growth. Birds over 10 weeks should be given grower/finisher because the protein % is not as high. That lower protein % allows them to properly fill out. Too much protein after 10 weeks and there is a risk that the birds will grow too fast and develop joint problems which is why grower/finisher should be fed. You asked what affects can occur on young birds that are fed layer feed they do not need? I've seen pictures of a rooster's kidney or liver (can't remember which) that was fed layer. The organ was a nasty green oozie mess from the excess calcium (or something). That could have been a fluke, though, or from some other reason.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

Only one of my heritage pullets has started to lay, "Momma" the Buff Orpington. The girls are all still on a grower feed. The girl who is laying enjoys a treat of crushed egg shells in oatmeal porridge. "Momma" has given me six eggs in seven days, each one a bit bigger than the last and all with nice shells. I'm hoping this feeding formula works until I need to buy a new bag and will switch to layer feed. If someone with more experience thinks I'm doing my girls a disservice, feel free to let me know.