It it ok to feed layer feed to 18 week olds?

[Kathryn4629]

I have all my girls together. Three of them are about a year old and the other four are between 16-20 weeks old and not laying. I have them all on layer feed now. I just don't have the room to separate them. I did take away the oyster-shell, but one the older hens started having thin shells so I put it back out free choice. They also free-range all day, and don't really eat that much feed.

So my question is: Is it ok to not feed them grower?

 

[Bedste]

I feed mine chick start for 3 weeks and then chick GROW for a couple months and then they eat what the rest eat..... FREE RANGE and Laying Pellets. From about 15 weeks on I let them eat laying pellets and have never had any problem.

Also...... just FYI.... when they get passed 24 weeks if they are still not laying eggs I give them 10 days of Protein Boost (calf manna) this helps them to go ahead and lay eggs

 

[gryeyes]

Others may have different opinions, but I've come to appreciate feeding a grower/finisher, all purpose "FlockRaiser" type of feed to everyone, and supplement with free choice oyster shell. The ones that need it will take the oyster shell, and then there's no chance you're pushing the envelope with any younger, non-laying birds. I do not have ANY problem with soft-shelled eggs.

However, 18 weeks is probably pretty close to laying.... depending upon the breed and other issues, of course. So it might not be a bad thing to start 'em on layer feed if you have done so. Eh.