I need advice on can I feed my chickens layer feed at the age of 17 weeks?

[Quincy Antonio]

Can I feed my chickens layer feed at the age of 17 weeks?

 

[NoodlesMama]

I fed layer food from 16 weeks onward with no problems. It should be fine.

 

[Quincy Antonio]

I fed layer food from 16 weeks onward with no problems. It should be fine.

Ok thanks

 

[FathertoFeathers]

I fed layer food from 16 weeks onward with no problems. It should be fine.

Mine are 11 weeks old do you think I could feed them layer feed?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I personally prefer to wait until there's actually an egg. My birds have always laid on the later side, 22, 24 weeks, etc.

 

[sealer39]

IMO, pullets need the extra protein to grow. Layer feed is for layers IF the egg shells are getting thin. I keep all my chickens on Flock Raiser and supplement with layer feed if my White Leghorn shells start getting to thin. I also have oyster shell on the side.

 

[SueT]

Have you run out of starter feed? If not, feed it until it is used up. Feed is perishable, so use it up.
Some of us feed an all flock to all ages, and thus do not even use layer feed. We give oyster shell on the side in this case. I use Purina Flock Raiser, there are other brands as well.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

If you’re planning on feeding them layer they don’t need it unless they are laying eggs. But it shouldn’t do them any harm..

 

[NoodlesMama]

Mine are 11 weeks old do you think I could feed them layer feed?

Probably on the early side but it likely won’t do them harm. The main reason they say not to feed layer feed to early is non laying chickens don’t need the extra calcium and to much calcium can cause kidney issues. The key thing is could cause it isn’t a definite thing. I have found starting the layer food on the earlier side, 16 weeks or so I get eggs sooner. No science behind it could just be dumb luck but it’s something I have noticed.

 

[Waves]

I read that in genetically disposed pullets feeding with with the layer even if they aren't actually laying can cause kidney issues and even some cases of sudden death. Obviosly, in genetically predisposed birds. But i'd prefere to avoid the layer until i see the first egg. Can you get another feeding with the 1% calcium addition instead of the 4%?