New to chicken raising...loving it but feeling a little insecure.

[Heather]

My husband, myself and three kids have 8 chickens. Three Bard Rock, two Rhode Island Red and three white leghorn. They will be 3 months old on the 27th of July.

We are now feeding them "Grower" since they have completed the medicated "baby chicken" food. This was at the instruction of the local Agway. When do we switch to "layer" food?

Please excuse my ignorance....we are trying to learn as we go. We are all having a wonderful time with our new "pets" but since we are SO new, I feel a little embarrassed at the lack of knowledge.

I am depending on this awesome website to really help us!

 

[speckledhen]

Glad you're enjoying your chickens and the forum. Don't change them over to layer until they begin to lay. As soon as you see that first egg, it's time. Some begin to switch them over slowly by mixing the food at about 18 weeks, and that's fine, too.

 

[Wolfpacker]

I've only been posting here a short time myself and am also relatively new to keeping chickens. But from what I've seen so far, the first person who responded is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable here.

Heed the SpeckledHen!

 

[BeckyLa]

Welcome to BYC!!!!

Please don't feel bad, everyone of us have been where you are. None of us first got into chickens knowing all there is to know. The only dumb question is the one not asked. So, please feel at home, we don't bite. (well at least most of us don't)

You'll want to start layer feed once they reach around 18 weeks old, my calculations put that at around 4 1/2 months. Of course, if you find an egg before then, start them sooner. But you'll know they're getting ready to lay when the girls combs turn bright red, they often will squat when you approach them, and they start going in the nest box and rearranging the bedding. That's when it's time to get excited!!!

 

[Heather]

Thanks for your help! I look forward to the "laying"!

 

[Southern28Chick]

Quote:
That's exactly right. Whenever I have a question I hope that Speckledhen responds because it seems she has a lot of experience. I do appreciate all responses though. Everyone on this site is very helpful and nice.

 

[speckledhen]

You guys are too much, LOL. Take everything they say about me with a grain of salt, Heather! I just learned like everyone else. I'm glad I've been helpful in a small way. There are many experienced chicken-keepers here, trust me. I often look to them for help.

 

[devora]

Heather:

This site is wonderful. I have asked what I thought were the lamest Qs and everyone is always so supportive and helpful. Enjoy your chickens!

 

[65browneyes]

Wolfpacker said, "Heed the SpeckledHen!"

I couldn't agree more! All hail the Speckled one!

In all seriousness, Heather, you've come to the right place for great advice. My pullets are 21 weeks now, and they've been laying for about 3 weeks. It's nice to be able to feed ONE feed again.

 

[Rebeccahorse]

Could you e-mail me pics of your white leghorn? I have one that I think is a leghorn, I would just like
to compare. [email protected]

Thanks

:O