I'm new at this

[anthonyw]

I have 10 5month old hens and I've feed them a little cracked corn is this OK? And they lay in front of my rooster but hasn't layed eggs yet feed store told me to feed layer feed, sounds to early, is it? Thanks

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. Pullets can be fed layer feed from the 18th week on, even if they aren't laying yet, so your pullets are definitely old enough to be eating layer feed. Cracked corn is okay for an occasional treat, but treats should make up less than 10% of your bird's diets as too many treats will make them fat and unhealthy and will reduce their lay rate when they do start laying. Starchy treats like cracked corn is the equivalent of us eating candy bars and potato chips. Commercial feeds such as layer feed are specially formulated to meet all a chicken's nutritional needs. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck in getting those eggs.

 

[drumstick diva]

Do you know what breed they are? Some start laying later than others. Are your hens getting enlarged very red combs? Do they squat when you touch their backs? If so they will start laying soon. Then they can be on layer feed with a side of crushed oyster shell in a separate holder. If a hen needs more calcium, she will eat the oyster shell , if not, she will ignore i

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

Michael O'Shay and Drumstick Diva have given you some very good information so I'll just say hi!

If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to ask. Everyone here is very helpful and there's a ton of information available.

Good luck with your chickens!

 

[anthonyw]

Thank u all for the info, I bought my hens at tractor supply called reds,mix breed I think, here's a pic

 

[N F C]

Thanks for sharing a photo @anthonyw !

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Michael OShay]

Thank u all for the info, I bought my hens at tractor supply called reds,mix breed I think, here's a pic

They are mixed breeds, but pretty birds. Thanks for posting the pic. )