Layer feed question.

[Aunt Angus]

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.

If only! That wait once they start showing "the signs" (red wattles, squatting, etc) is a loooong one!

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

If only! That wait once they start showing "the signs" (red wattles, squatting, etc) is a loooong one!

The people around here also still think roosters are horrid creatures that kill foxes and that they lay blue eggs. and I thought I lived in a pretty rural area. sigh.

 

[Aunt Angus]

The people around here also still think roosters are horrid creatures that kill foxes and that they lay blue eggs. and I thought I lived in a pretty rural area. sigh.

Sorry to get off topic, OP. But you're killing me, @Ihavesomechickens !

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Okay in conclusion, don’t feed the layer feed to chickens that aren’t laying. Wait until they all lay to switch. So to the op, you were doing it right and the feed stores are stupid dum dums.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Or feed an all flock with oyster shell offered freely.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Of course layer feed doesn't make them lay. I have never had a chicken go more than 22 weeks to lay is all I'm saying. So many problems on here I have never had. Guess I've been lucky over the years. Feed companies would not state you can feed layer at 16-18 weeks if it is going to be detrimental to your birds. Layer is a problem for birds not laying for a long period of time. I feed layer through molt most times, as again the birds are not going a long time without laying & they molt at different times. I do prefer at least 18% for the layer feed. I think many people over think things & cause themselves all sorts of problems. Do what is right in your situation & enjoy your birds.

 

[wamtazlady]

Of course layer feed doesn't make them lay. I have never had a chicken go more than 22 weeks to lay is all I'm saying. So many problems on here I have never had. Guess I've been lucky over the years. Feed companies would not state you can feed layer at 16-18 weeks if it is going to be detrimental to your birds. Layer is a problem for birds not laying for a long period of time. I feed layer through molt most times, as again the birds are not going a long time without laying & they molt at different times. I do prefer at least 18% for the layer feed. I think many people over think things & cause themselves all sorts of problems. Do what is right in your situation & enjoy your birds.

Chicken start laying at all different ages. I had a Buff Orpington that did not lay until she was 11 months old. Had another pullet that laid one egg when she was 8 months old and never laid again. You just never can tell. That all your pullets have laid at 22 weeks or earlier is the exception rather than the rule.

 

[Doc7]

I recommend not feeding layer.



I use Purina flock raiser Mostly but I will purchase Any major brand that has the latest manufacture date when I go to the store (tractor supply).


The way I figure, more than half the year:
- you have chicks
- you have hens not laying due to daylight hours
- you have hens not laying due to molt (and this can be months and months of the year if you look at all the times any single hen is molting)
- You have a broody
- You might have a roo

I just see no reason to buy layer feed when any given day one of these factors could be impacting the flock and layer feed would negatively impact at least one bird. This is why I don’t even consider any feed but the most recent mill date Flock Raiser (any brand) with a can of oyster shell always present


That is a copy paste of another post I’ve made but basically, Feed all your chickens flock raiser from hatch until death

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

I see several people recommending flock raisers. My flock didn’t do good on a flock raiser. I had egg eaters and my hens refuse to eat oyster shells/egg shells so layer feed is what I feed and have good results on. Is also more expensive in my area. Layer feed is 15$/50# and flock raiser is 18$/50# (I feed a lot of birds lol) Thanks for all the help!! I always wait for most of my flock to be laying before swapping but I wondered how common it is for people to follow the directions on feed bags.

 

[Neggative]

When the first few start laying is when I switch...