Okay to switch over to layer feed?

[tenderkat]

My girls are around 22 weeks old. None of them have given any eggs yet, but a few have combs and wattles that seem to be getting larger and more vibrant.

I have had them on starter/grower, which I will run out of in a few days. I'm wondering if it will be okay to go ahead and switch them over to layer?

Here is the ingredient list of the feed I'm thinking about.

Ingredients: Organic Corn, Organic Soybean Meal, Limestone, Organic Rice Protein Concentrate, Organic Flaxseed, Live Earth Humate, Moncalcium Phosphate, Redmond Clay & Salt, Kelp Meal, Diatomaceous Earth, DL Methionine, Poultry Vitamin & Mineral Pre-Mix, Essential Oils of Oregano

Does it seem to have a good mix? Will I need to supplement with oyster shells, and if so, when do I start and how much?

Thanks!!

 

[fordmommy]

I would start by mixing half and half. And then give a little more at a time. Sometimes I think it messes with the digestive system when you switch food all of a sudden.

And to be honest. I haven't given oyster shell yet. Only one is laying and the eggs are nice and firm. It could be the brand I use. I use Purina Mills Layer. It's about $12 a big bag.

I'm still mixing it.

 

[chickenfever]

Yes, switch to layer feed now. It's always a good idea to offer free choice oyster shell calcium, they will eat as much of it as they need.

 

[JessHall]

Quote:
I agree, but be sure to make the change gradually.