Layer Feed... 14 weeker?

[PepsNick]

So my flock consists of four 20-weekers and one 14-weeker. I am about to start giving my ladies layer feed and oyster shells, but I am wondering if this will not be healthy for my 14-weeker? Do I need to feed her seperatley? She will be ABLE to eat the new layer feed because it is just crumbles, but... is in unhealthy? Same thing with the oyster shells. Thanks!

Nick

 

[woodmort]

Layer feed will have too much calcium in it for growing birds so shouldn't be fed until they are laying. Here's what I do: I have a combination of 3 old birds that are, on occasion, laying, 10 5-month olds that should be about to lay and 32 15-week old pullets all share the same coop and yard. I feed grower to everyone and put oyster shell in a small wall feeder for those that need the calcium--some people just tack up a tuna can. That way the birds that need it will get it. I'll wait until those pullets start to lay before feeding layer pellets.

 

[mercedes]

I have 10 production reds and I started feeding layer and offering oystershell at 17 weeks.They started laying at 19 weeks.Everyone is well and I only had one "soft" egg.

 

[PepsNick]

Okay, great! I think I am going to go ahead and start feeding the oyster shells, but wait until we get our first egg for layer crumbles. Thank you!