how old do my chickens need to be to have layer pellets

[Hummingbird Hollow]

If you have different types of pullets, you might find that they start laying at different times...18 weeks, 20 weeks, even longer. One good alternative to switching to layer feed too early (it has too much calcium for growing pullets) is to continue to feed the grower feed, but maybe around 16 or 18 weeks attach a small dish of oyster shell to the side of the run. Those that need the extra calcium will help themselves to the oyster shell and those that do not yet need the oyster shell won't want it.

 

[farmer12]

THANKS EVERYONE

 

[buffo1]

I've moved the chicks in with the older girls- now the babies are a month old- I can't keep the food separate- will the chicks be harmed in any way by eating the layer feed?

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

You would be better off feeding everyone the maintainence formula and providing calcium on the side for the hens. The chicks need the protein to grow and they don't need the calcium...now, I've seen my roosters eating the layer formula...I wonder .....