Is it bad to feed hens that don't lay yet egg laying food?

[Hoonta]

I have one that lays but the rest don't yet they are very close and I have one who is very young she is around 2 months old. I am wondering because i bought egg laying food by accident and don't want to feed them the wrong food.

 

[barred2rock]

High amounts of calcium found in layer can stunt growth and damage kidneys of non laying birds. I'd suggest an all flock or flock raiser with oyster shells on the side for the layers.

 

[2MorrowsDream]

I dunno if Layena feed is bad for hens...this big boy eats it! So far ni issues, and I've fed it for years.

 

[barred2rock]

I dunno if Layena feed is bad for hens...this big boy eats it! So far ni issues, and I've fed it for years.

It could occur doesn't necessarily mean that it will. Besides, kidney failure can take years, it doesn't occur over night.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

High amounts of calcium found in layer can stunt growth and damage kidneys of non laying birds. I'd suggest an all flock or flock raiser with oyster shells on the side for the layers.

It could occur doesn't necessarily mean that it will. Besides, kidney failure can take years, it doesn't occur over night.

 

[SonoranChick]

I am having a similar dilemma...DH bought the wrong bag of chicken feed, but my pullets are really close to laying age. The bag (it's Nutrena) says to switch over at week 16, whether they are laying yet or not. Mine are 15 weeks, so I think we may just switch over in about a week.

 

[barred2rock]

I am having a similar dilemma...DH bought the wrong bag of chicken feed, but my pullets are really close to laying age. The bag (it's Nutrena) says to switch over at week 16, whether they are laying yet or not. Mine are 15 weeks, so I think we may just switch over in about a week.

As long as they're close they should be okay.

 

[2MorrowsDream]

It could occur doesn't necessarily mean that it will. Besides, kidney failure can take years, it doesn't occur over night.

Good to know

 

[Crs1]

I have been fermenting layer feed and feeding dry medicated chick feed with eggshell on the side to my mixed age flock 3 yo to 10 weeks old and they all eat from both.
My question is about the medicated chick feed. I by it from grain store because it's 10.00 for 50# instead of 16.00 for 50#of unmedicated from the big box store. Is feeding medicated to the layers bad for eggs? Or bad for the growing chicks?
Thanks

 

[lazy gardener]

Personally, I'd not use medicated feed. Amprolium is a thiamine blocker. I have yet to read any literature that convinces me that using a thiamine blocker is not detrimental for the host animal. I am surprised that you are finding that medicated feed is cheaper. In my area, it's about $1 more/bag.