Layer or starter feed at this point

[GuessWhatChickenButt3]

I have 3 hens that are approx. 27 weeks old. At 19 1/2 weeks, one of them, my Easter Egger, started laying. At that point, I started mixing in layer feed with their starter feed, figuring that I could 1) use up my starter feed still and 2) that the other 2 would start laying soon. However, the other two (what I believe to be an Andalusian and a Production Red) have not started laying yet, and with it being the end of October and daylight decreasing, I’m thinking they may not lay until spring.
I’m now running out of starter feed in my mix so I’m wondering if it’s bad for these 2 non-laying hens to be on just layer feed (is there too much calcium for them?) and if I should buy some more starter. Or is it better for them to all be on starter and to just make oyster shell available, for that one that is laying? Thank you for any advice anyone can give.

 

[ValerieJ]

Good question. How about feeding them all flock raiser and adding oyster shell on the side.

 

[Jandsloch]

I’m new to chickens this year but here’s what I’m doing. Mpcurrently mixing starter and layer as my chicks just over 6wks old but everyone is together. They all share feeders etc. I plan on not buying anymore chick starter after this round is finished I may use a finisher mixed with layer but I haven’t decided. I always giv3 free choice oyster shells especially after first few eggs were soft and squishy. They were at that point only getting layer feed. I have a light on a timer in the shed (coop) that comes on around 4am and they go to bed at dusk around 630 and it shuts off. We had a lot of stressors the last month but now I’m getting eggs before it’s even daylight (2 today before 7 when I left for work) I really can’t answer your question just tell u what I’m doing. Also I think at 27 weeks layer feed is best for them but again I’m. O expert. I usually look at the charts on the back of the feed bags.

 

[ValerieJ]

I’m new to chickens this year but here’s what I’m doing. Mpcurrently mixing starter and layer as my chicks just over 6wks old but everyone is together. They all share feeders etc. I plan on not buying anymore chick starter after this round is finished I may use a finisher mixed with layer but I haven’t decided. I always giv3 free choice oyster shells especially after first few eggs were soft and squishy. They were at that point only getting layer feed. I have a light on a timer in the shed (coop) that comes on around 4am and they go to bed at dusk around 630 and it shuts off. We had a lot of stressors the last month but now I’m getting eggs before it’s even daylight (2 today before 7 when I left for work) I really can’t answer your question just tell u what I’m doing. Also I think at 27 weeks layer feed is best for them but again I’m. O expert. I usually look at the charts on the back of the feed bags.

Layer is good if all your hens are laying eggs, otherwise I would recommend All Flock or Flock Raiser with the OS on the side.

 

[HochstetlersHaven]

At that age they are all fine on a 16-17% layer.

 

[Jandsloch]

I have to add since temps are dropping I’ve been throwing down scratch a couple hours before bed. With all the leaves down in the yard and rain they aren’t going through a whole lot of feed. I fill my 2 feeders in the evenings and they are about half full. 11 under a year and 4 chicks.

 

[HochstetlersHaven]

Simply my thoughts....I always encourage my chickens to consume their feed completely before I offer anything additional; this way I know they are receiving the nutrition from their feed. After that, additions/scraps/scratch are given.

 

[Jandsloch]

Simply my thoughts....I always encourage my chickens to consume their feed completely before I offer anything additional; this way I know they are receiving the nutrition from their feed. After that, additions/scraps/scratch are given.

If they have plenty of things to eat while ranging the feed is a supplement in my thoughts. I leave home around 7...730 am and am not home until 7...730 at night. So I fill the feeders and waterers when I get home every. Isn’t. 6 days a week I work. My hubs does not tend chickens and my kiddos will take care of any low waters, scoop poop boards, gather eggs etc. when they r finished with their homework. Then they throw scratch down for them as where I am and have read and been told by some folks here the cracked corn etc. helps retain body heat so we feed before they go to roost to aide in keeping warm. The cold rainy days they have consumed more feed as they are inside mostly and not ranging. So again in my eyes feed is supplemental. So I fill them full. And keep them full. Considering they are up 2 hours before me the door is closed and they eat some feed and drink water prior to me opening the door for them.

 

[HochstetlersHaven]

If they have plenty of things to eat while ranging the feed is a supplement in my thoughts. I leave home around 7...730 am and am not home until 7...730 at night. So I fill the feeders and waterers when I get home every. Isn’t. 6 days a week I work. My hubs does not tend chickens and my kiddos will take care of any low waters, scoop poop boards, gather eggs etc. when they r finished with their homework. Then they throw scratch down for them as where I am and have read and been told by some folks here the cracked corn etc. helps retain body heat so we feed before they go to roost to aide in keeping warm. The cold rainy days they have consumed more feed as they are inside mostly and not ranging. So again in my eyes feed is supplemental. So I fill them full. And keep them full. Considering they are up 2 hours before me the door is closed and they eat some feed and drink water prior to me opening the door for them.

One thing I always like to add, that I neglected to in my prior comment, is that everyone's flock is unique; and no one on this thread is there but you. Everyone does what is best in their eyes. Sounds like you have it all working fine.