layer feed question

[johntree72]

We have six 17 week old girls someone told us to start giving them layer feed so we did. Our question is should they really be on that right now? When do they start laying eggs we have 2 Rhode island Reds 2 Buff Cochins,and 2 white orpingtons. Thanks

 

[Fred's Hens]

It doesn't matter too much. Feeding layer feed just isn't necessary before the birds actually start to lay eggs. But, at 17 weeks, there's little harm, as there would be to feeding a steady diet of high calcium layer to a younger bird. If you had some Grower, you could alternate days until everyone is on board with the laying, if you wished, but that isn't necessary.

 

[RoosterAddict99]

You started giving them layer ration at about the right time. I'm no expert but, I've heard layer ration actually prepares them for laying eggs. The rir and orpington hens should begin laying at 5 and a half to 6 months. Cochins generally lay later.

 

[Judy]

I had one lay her first egg just before 17 weeks, I think a RIR, and I've read of their not laying til 6 months -- even an Ameraucana waiting a year. It varies some with breed and whether they are hatchery or breeder quality, too. If you have 6 feed store (hatchery) chicks, you will almost certainly see eggs in the next 4 weeks, maybe sooner. I believe cochins tend to lay a little later, though I've never had one.

Fred answered well about the feed.

 

[johntree72]

Thank you so much for the replys. One more question we have the nesting boxes all set up for them but they go out at 9 am always will they go back into the coop to lay eggs or should i get them use to 12 or 1

 

[Fred's Hens]

Thank you so much for the replys. One more question we have the nesting boxes all set up for them but they go out at 9 am always will they go back into the coop to lay eggs or should i get them use to 12 or 1

All I can tell you is what I do. Draw from it what you find helpful. First, if you have older hens "modeling" for the pullets, they absolutely do the "monkey see, monkey do". In a flock of all inexperienced, point of lay pullets, I prefer to keep them locked in the spacious barn pen until they've mastered the box. I'd be confident if they just were in a run, but with free range birds, they just have too much to learn. I don't do Easter egg hunts. No no. Once the pullets have "owned" the nest box, I begin letting them out at 3 or 4 in the afternoon. 95% of them have laid by then. Once I am confident that the flock has it all mastered, then I have more confidence. The entire process take a month or two, but it is worth it to me. BTW, one or two nests per 6 hens is usually plenty. They love piling up eggs in a clutch. It's a social thing and an instinct thing.