OK to switch feed to layer feed?

[garye5007]

Hi,
My 2 BRs and 3 RIRs are 18 weeks old and i have to buy feed soon and i would like to know if i can switch to layer feed when i run out?
i hate to buy another bag of grower when they are, hopefully, going to lay soon!
Thanks, Gary

 

[PhilErvin]

Yes Gary it is OK to switch, just make sure they have grit available either from the ground they scratch or a bowl that you provide. If they are outside on the ground and there are small pebbles and dirt then they don't need any additional. Good Luck

 

[Taylor]

NEVER give pullets straight layer feed until they start to lay eggs, chick starter/grower has the nutrients they need till they do start 2 lay, you may be able to mix the 2 up together??? you need to ask your feed store what they reccomend they should know.

 

[NonnasBabies]

At 18 weeks it's safe to start giving them layer feed!!

Missi

 

[Choco Maran]

I switch mine about a month before they start laying. About 16 weeks. Mine are at 10 weeks so I will change them over the first of September. This way it gives them the added protien needed to produce eggs. It will not hurt them at all. Change feed any time.

 

[PhilErvin]

Quote:
The feed store told me that you want at least a month of them eating the laying feed before they start laying because it gives them time to get the medication from the chick feed out of their system before they lay eggs that you will eat. I thought it sounded like good advice since I don't want that medication in me.

 

[garye5007]

thanks for the replies!
they are on un-medicated growth feed and i plan to buy layer feed and start them on that.
Thanks again!
Gary