Out Of Starter/grower Feed At 16 Weeks

[Buff-Island-Australorp]

My flock just turned 16 weeks old today. They are on their final 2-3 days of starter/grower.
Do I absolutely need to buy another 25# bag of starter/grower, or can I get my 50# bag of layer, and not provide oyster shell until they mature a little more?
I have not seen any eggs yet from them, although I think a couple are going to start any time now.

 

[Melinda35]

My chickens are about 20 weeks and I have had them on layer feed since they were integrated with the older ones. I can't remember what age but it has been a while probably 10 weeks old or less. You can mix what you have left over with some layer feed that will help with the transition. I think they will be just fine.

 

[Buff-Island-Australorp]

Quote:
Thanks Melinda35....there won't be any mixing because I'm down to the crumbs on the starter/grower. I figured though, just switching the food probably won't hurt them, but providing oyster shell, (as a lot of people do) now free choice would. I would wait until the first egg is laid before providing the extra, extra calcium of oyster shell.

 

[the-bird-man]

mine started on layer at 16 weeks