Is it a good idea to move to a grower feed at 8wks?

[vjbakke]

The brand of feed we use has a starter ( 18%) and a grower ( 16%) then 18 and 16% layer feed. The grower says it is for 8wk to laying age. I only have 6 hens ( 4 wks old now) should I stay on the starter feed until they are laying or move to the grower when they are 8 wks. We got grower by mistake so we have an almost full ( 50lbs) of it, They are on starter right now. Will they eat 50lbs of feed by laying age?

 

[TN_BIRD]

Quote:
So, you have both starter and a grower?

Some folks don't bother with switching. They just give their layers some oyster shells for extra calcium.

You can probably find somebody on Craigslist that might take the bag of unused feed off your hands (might even try the local zoo).

 

[mdbokc]

Finish the starter. Yes, they will eat the 50# of grower before they reach laying age.

 

[vjbakke]

Quote:
So, you have both starter and a grower?

Some folks don't bother with switching. They just give their layers some oyster shells for extra calcium.

You can probably find somebody on Craigslist that might take the bag of unused feed off your hands (might even try the local zoo).

Yeah we have both. I went and bought a small 10lb bag of starter when I realized I bought grower instead. I'm thinking use the starter until they are all 8 wks old then use up the grower? I don't know how old they will be when that is all gone. Then maybe stick with the grower until laying starts? So does the grower have more calcium? I'll look I have images of all the tags for the brand we are using.