Is it bad to start chicks on layer feed at 17 weeks?

[flockoffour]

I was wondering if it would affect their kidneys/do damage as it would to a young chick? or if it would be okay to start them a little early?

 

[Fred's Hens]

No, there wouldn't be time. 17 weeks is considered an industry wide average.

 

[aggiemae]

There is absolutely no benefit to starting them on layer feed early so wait until AFTER they ALL start laying. Provide oyster shell calcium on the side until all your hens are laying and/or you are out of starter feed.

Oyster shell is pretty inexpensive but if you don't want to buy a five pound bag of oyster shells put an ad on Craigslist to see if someone will give you a cup or two. Or you can buy a bottle in the vitamin section of your grocery store and crush it yourself.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Many feeds say to feed layer at 16-18 weeks. If all your birds are that age, there is no harm in feeding layer. One benefit of feeding layer is that it is less expensive than grower! Good luck with your girls.