Layer feed

[Coral2222]

Hello all,
I have seven 6 month old buff Orpingtons and one of them laid an egg today. I know you aren’t supposed to switch over to layer feed until they lay their first egg but should I wait until more of them start laying? Is it ok to switch over now even if some of them are a few weeks from laying or should I stick with chick starter for a few weeks?

Thanks,
Coral

 

[PioneerChicks]

You will be fine switching to layer feed at this point. You could also consider doing all flock feed accompanied with oyster shells.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello all,
I have seven 6 month old buff Orpingtons and one of them laid an egg today. I know you aren’t supposed to switch over to layer feed until they lay their first egg but should I wait until more of them start laying? Is it ok to switch over now even if some of them are a few weeks from laying or should I stick with chick starter for a few weeks?

Thanks,
Coral

I would leave them on the chick starter and put out containers of oyster shell. The chick starter has a better protein level than layer feed does.
I also toss a handful of oyster shell out for my flock about every other day. They like picking it out of the grass and I know they are getting enough that way.

 

[Kiki]

If I were you I would switch them over to layer feed now.
It is better for them to start eating the extra calcium that layer feed has a few weeks before they actually start laying.

I also believe it is better to not give them the option to pick and choose if they want to eat oyster shell on the side, especially if you only have all female birds.

 

[imnukensc]

I'd go ahead and make the switch to layer, but don't waste the starter. Mix it in with the layer until it's all gone. Mine eat layer and I also have a seperate cup of oyster shell. They eat it if they want it, but go through very little. (About 5 lbs in 2 years for 6 hens) Mine also are able to free range for the majority of the day.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

You don't have to get layer. Use up the bag of starter then get grower/flock raiser feed and offer oyster shells on the side.