Layer feed

[checkersathena]

My chicks are 16 or 17 weeks. Any ideas of when I should start them on layer feed? When I see a first egg??

 

[Judy]

Wait until they start laying, or at least show signs of laying soon, such as reddening of the comb.

Read toward the end of this article:

http://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=36

 

[aart]

...or you could feed an 'all flock' type of feed and have oyster shell in a separate container.

I like to feed a 'flock raiser' 20% protein crumble to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided during molting and if I see any feather eating.