In NYS here, chickens hatched June 28th. When will I get eggs? Plus questions about layer feed.

[WhiteWyan]

Hi there everyone.

I am hoping someone out there has an idea of when I might get some eggs being laid.

I have: Rhode Island Red, Silver Laced Wyandotte, Speckled Sussex, Welsummer, Salmon Faverolles, and a few black chickens of questionable breed (sold as black marans but 2 of the 3 have yellow skin with black scales).

My main concern is that winter will come before they are mature enough to lay and then that will be it for the eggs. Im assuming April will be when eggs will come.

Second question, since I got the chickens so late in the season...
If they don't start laying until April or so, should I really switch to layer feed at age 18 weeks(or whatever it says on the package)? Layena brand and other layer pellet food instructions seem to imply that you should have layer feed the dominant feed by a certain age, about 16 or 18 weeks. Even if they haven't started laying.

I'm just thinking switching to layer feed might be best in March when they will be revving up their ovaries and such. Would seem odd to feed them layer feed in the winter when they aren't laying.

Oh jeeze now I thought of a new question. Are you supposed to switch to multi-flock type/grower ration in the winter when egg laying is on pause? Or do you feed hens layer feed all year round, regardless of seasonal laying cycles?


THANK YOU!!!!

 

[AlleysChicks]

My chicks from April started laying last month. Yours may start in late October. I’d wait until they start laying to give them layer food.

 

[junebuggena]

Layer feed is for actively laying birds only.

 

[WhiteWyan]

Thanks for the replies. That's great to hear they might start in another month or so. I'll transition to layer feed if they do! Good to know that it's only for when they are laying. I guess I'll switch to a different non-calcium fortified feed in winter.

 

[lazy gardener]

Your birds might start laying in early Nov. But, I'd not hold my breath. B/c the days will be getting much shorter as they approach sexual maturity, they may delay onset of laying until after days start getting longer, even as early as late Jan/early Feb. If you want to be sure you get those girls starting to lay before then, you could put them on supplemental lighting. Given the age of your flock, and impending winter, I'd keep them on unmedicated starter or a multi-flock 18 - 20%.

 

[WhiteWyan]

Yes they are currently on 20% Purina multi flock crumbles plus rooster booster top dress and poultry vitamins added to water. I'll keep that going until they lay. I'd rather not add light.

Do you think it might be unhealthy for a bird to reach laying age while daylight is too short? Will it "back things up" or stunt their growth in any way?

 

[lazy gardener]

No. If her hormones have shifted into laying mode, she's gonna lay. If she starts laying while days are short, be thankful, and be sure you gather those eggs before they freeze!!! Enjoy!!!