Layer feed question.

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

Almost all layer feed bags say swap your pullets from starter to layer at 16-18 weeks. Isn’t this super young?My pullets are 15 weeks old and aren’t anywhere close to laying. I normally wait until most of the flock is laying before swapping to a layer feed. Should I be swapping them earlier?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Some breeds/types start laying well after 18 weeks. Easter Eggers for instance, start laying at 24 to 29 weeks or later.
Continue feeding Chick Starter till at least one of each breed/type is laying.
Offer Oyster Shells after 16 weeks old.
My Barred Rock hens have never had a Layers feed. They are 22 months old. I feed them a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock Crumble if it's on sale, with Oyster Shells separately. GC

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

Some breeds/types start laying well after 18 weeks. Easter Eggers for instance, start laying at 24 to 29 weeks or later.
Continue feeding Chick Starter till at least one of each breed/type is laying.
Offer Oyster Shells after 16 weeks old.
My Barred Rock hens have never had a Layers feed. They are 22 months old. I feed them a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock Crumble if it's on sale, with Oyster Shells separately. GC

Thank you!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I only begin offering layer feed once I have a few chicks begin laying. By that point they're usually 24+ weeks.

 

[wamtazlady]

I like using All Flock. It about the same price as layer feed but has more protein. I offer oyster shell on the side to provide the calcium layers need.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I like using All Flock. It about the same price as layer feed but has more protein. I offer oyster shell on the side to provide the calcium layers need.

X2.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I often switch to layer at 16-18 weeks. Most of my chickens over the years have laid between 18-22 weeks. I don't understand birds not laying until 26-30 weeks! 18 weeks would be safe, but do whatever is right for you.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Feeding layer feed doesn’t make chickens start laying, as many assume. Layer feed should only be feed to a chicken that is actively laying as the calcium can be detrimental to their health if they don’t need it.

I often switch to layer at 16-18 weeks. Most of my chickens over the years have laid between 18-22 weeks. I don't understand birds not laying until 26-30 weeks! 18 weeks would be safe, but do whatever is right for you.

Some breeds just start laying later, and sometimes it just depends on the bird. What don’t you understand about them not laying till 26-30 weeks? Not trying to be rude, just asking so I can help you figure out why some don’t lay till later.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Feeding layer feed doesn’t make chickens start laying, as many assume.

Huh. I've not yet heard anyone suggest that layer feed makes chickens lay. That's a new one for me!

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Huh. I've not yet heard anyone suggest that layer feed makes chickens lay. That's a new one for me!

Around where I live most people assume that layer feed means that it makes them lay, and that makes me crack up all the time.