How important IS layer mash for egg production?

[jim and carol and laura]

I have a question. My four production reds are coming up on 17 weeks old. I have been feeding them the standard start and grow crumbles. they are also free range and eat all kinds of plants and bugs etc. They are really big and healthy looking. Im almost out of the 50 Lb. bag of starter/grower feed so will it hurt to start them on the layer feed a couple of weeks early?

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
It would be better to get another bag starter/ grower. It is beat to hold off on the layer till the start to lay.

Chris

 

[gryeyes]

You could do what I do: just feed grower/finisher and supplement with free choice crushed oyster shell. Only chicks in the brooder get starter. The layers take what oyster shell they need for calcium. No changing over to layer feed.

Makes life very simple. Well, with regard to feed....