Move from Grower feed to layer question

[B40chick]

I bought some pullets from a lady near me, not a hatchery. She estimated the average age to be 4 weeks. Using that as my guide, they will be 14 weeks next week. I probably have enough grower feed to take them to 16 weeks. Is it ok to start layer feed a little early? I don't want to buy a whole bag of grower so close to 18 weeks.

 

[SueT]

Many breeds don't lay until 20-24 weeks. It won't hurt to give grower to laying hens. Just offer oyster shell on the side. If you want to use layer feed, just wait until all your grower feed is gone.
I, like many other BYC peeps, don't even use layer feed. I buy Purina Flock Raiser and feed it to all chickens of all ages. (oyster shell on the side.) There are other brands that offer an all flock feed as well.

 

[Sequel]

Hi! Layer feed shouldn’t be fed unless they are actively laying. I use an all flock type feed like @SueT does. It has a little higher protein content and is recommended for all ages and genders. Offering oyster shell in its own separate dish is easy and cheap. People are all over the map on this but many of us feel the higher protein content is beneficial especially during molting. Good luck with your pullets!