Layer Feed When Only One Hen Has Started Laying?

[commonburrplantandco]

Hey BYC community!

So I just got my first egg today from Amber, my Cinnamon Queen ! I also have another Cinnamon Queen hen, 2 RIR hens, a Dominique hen, a SLW hen, and SLW rooster. Not all of the other hens have big red combs and wattles--> won't be laying for another few weeks or so, but I was wondering if I should start giving the flock layer feed since we do have one laying hen (and I expect another one of the RIRs will be laying within the next week). I am feeding them grower/finisher at the moment. I was also wondering if it's okay to give the entire flock layer feed, since we do have a rooster in our flock.

Thanks!

 

[peterlund]

Don't over think this. Give them layer pellets BUT also other foods and such. They are easy to keep.... this time of year in eastern Massachusetts i throw in my runs a head of whole cabbage now and again for the girls to feast upon.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

Layer can cause damage to non-laying chickens if fed for a long period of time. I suggest just feeding grower with a side of oyster shell (for any actively laying hens).

 

[lazy gardener]

While some studies have shown that non layers can have issues with gout and decreased kidney function if kept on a high calcium feed, this does not mean that they WILL. My entire flock gets non medicated chick starter when I have chicks. When the chicks reach puberty, the entire flock gets switched back to layer b/c it's easier on my wallet. My roo has never laid an egg, and has eaten layer feed most of his life. he is very healthy. He will be 4 years old this spring, and will be culled b/c he is no longer a good breeder. His kidneys are still functioning very well! I would have no concern about placing pullets on layer any time after they gave gotten their cluck.

I find it interesting that folks want their birds on high protein feed, but don't heed that risk: correlation between high protein and gout.

Free range birds get lots of calcium from the greens they eat. Usually, free range birds are very healthy, and (barring predator attack) outlive the birds that are confined to a run, and fed a lower calcium diet.

 

[Tami Mann]

Hey BYC community!

So I just got my first egg today from Amber, my Cinnamon Queen ! I also have another Cinnamon Queen hen, 2 RIR hens, a Dominique hen, a SLW hen, and SLW rooster. Not all of the other hens have big red combs and wattles--> won't be laying for another few weeks or so, but I was wondering if I should start giving the flock layer feed since we do have one laying hen (and I expect another one of the RIRs will be laying within the next week). I am feeding them grower/finisher at the moment. I was also wondering if it's okay to give the entire flock layer feed, since we do have a rooster in our flock.

Thanks!

 

[Tami Mann]

If they are old enough to lay . Sure. Most 5-6 months. My buff orpingtons are just now 6 months & 3 are laying out of 11. But my RIR won't leave them alone. They are old & cranky.