Pullet Diet

[Sally Winter-Swink]

I'm working on integrating some two month old sex-linked pullets with my two year old RIR hens. It was rocky but is improving. I now notice that the pullets prefer the hens' layer feed to their chick feed. I read online that pullets do not need layer feed until they are 18 weeks old. Is eating it now harmful? They seem healthy but the layer feed may not be nutritious enough for them. Any experience of thoughts?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I'm working on integrating some two month old sex-linked pullets with my two year old RIR hens. It was rocky but is improving. I now notice that the pullets prefer the hens' layer feed to their chick feed. I read online that pullets do not need layer feed until they are 18 weeks old. Is eating it now harmful?

Yes, 9 weeks old is too young for Layers feed.
16 weeks old at the earliest to consume layers feed as the main source of feed. To much Calcium is harmful at that age.

I would remove the layers feed and add a container of Oyster Shells for the Hens.

You could switch to a Layers feed when Pullets start to lay. My Sex-Links started to lay 16.5 weeks (Golden Comets), and 17 weeks (ISA Browns). GC

 

[my gang eats grass]

When we have new chicks getting introduced we put an all purpose flock raiser feed in the feed bin. That kind of feed is safe for all the chickens. When the chicks start laying, (or are 18 weeks, whichever comes first), then we put the layer feed back in the bin. The all purpose being low in calcium has not been a problem for our laying hens, but if it is for yours, put out some oyster shells.