Layer Feed

[chickenman111]

When do I need to feed my hens layer feed? Countryside Organics says 16 weeks. is that too early or is that fine?
Will roosters eat layer feed?

Thanks

 

[joedie]

That's about when I switch mine to layer feed. And yes, the roosters do eat it.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

18 weeks or first egg, and roosters do ok on it. I prefer to not feed layer and offer oyster shell free choice. Mostly because I have wide spectrum of ages together and a cockerel. Only the laying hens eat the shells when they need more calcium.

 

[Big A Chickens]

I started mine on a layer feed once they started laying. Some folks say its ok to start them on it at 16 weeks. I just kept mine on a grower ration until they started. And yes the roos will eat it also.

 

[blueseal]

i have a flock of 15 pullets that with be 18 weeks old in a couple days also. the grower feed i have is almost gone. the bag of grower says 16 weeks to switch. so wondering if i should switch to layer or wait til they lay first. some say wait some dont.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

I would wait until all of your hens are laying before switching to layer. If you have a rooster I would never use it.

Grower/flock raiser with calcium on the side is good for all of your birds. Layer has calcium in it and calcium can build up over time in birds that are not laying eggs so why risk it? With calcium on the side the birds will eat it if they need it and no one gets to much. If you have a flock of all laying hens that have all already started to lay then switch otherwise there is no need.

 

[Choco Maran]

I have always switched mine at about 14-16 weeks with no problem. They do just fine on it. It depends on you as to when you want to switched. If they are 18 weeks I would switch right away.