Layer feed??

[Lhummel]

Help! I have 22 week old chickens (RIR, Buffs, EE), none are laying. I am finishing up bag of food. I’ve read if they are not laying and get fed layer food, it can damage kidneys. (Also what if a few are laying and the rest are not?) I am willing to mix my own but just read changing them over from what they are used to (crumbles to my own mixed whole grain) can be detrimental. I can offer oyster shells but have not yet. I am concerned they need more protein. I don’t know what to buy...

 

[sourland]

Rather than feeding a layer feed, many continue with an all flock ration and provide oyster shell on the side.

 

[Lhummel]

So just an unmedicated grower feed?

 

[B-Goock]

You can use a meatbird feed. Nonmedicated.
All flock feed also.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I use 120lbs of All Flock Pellets with 20lbs of layer mixed in the feed bin. I keep extra calcium such as Oyster Shells, & Eggshells on hand in case anyone needs any extra calcium, which isn't very often.

My non layers usually go around the layer pellets anyway, same with the boys.

 

[Lhummel]

Just an update...i now have 1 of 10 chickens laying, as I just got my first egg!

 

[GC-Raptor]

I've been feeding a Non-medicated Starter Grower feed or a All-Flock crumble 18 to 20% with Oyster Shells separately for 3 years.

I get nice eggs.

GC
ETA; I offer Oyster Shells after 15 weeks old, before first egg. Pullets take as needed.

 

[Abriana]

I start feeding layer a few days/weeks before laying age. My rooster ate it all his 4 1/2 years with no problems.