Question on when to change to layer feed.

[shannaharle]

My girls are 5 1/2 to 6 months old and are on the 16% all purpose crumbles from orchelns. I was wondering since they haven't started laying yet when do i need to change them to the layer crumbles. Do I do it now or wait until they start to lay?

Is there any such thing as a sterile chicken? My husband thinks they are all sterile since they are not laying yet. I keep telling him to be patient that they will lay when they get ready. Of course it is really hard to be patient as I am ready to not have to buy store bought eggs anymore either and can't wait for them to start laying either.

 

[JodyJo]

they will lay when they are ready....I would wait till they start laying myself, mine are now laying, but I have some younger pullets, so I am still on starter/grower with oyster shell on the side, the eggs are strong and solid, they eat the oyster shell when they need it. When my 3 little ones reach POL I will switch to layer feed.
the choice is yours....it won't hurt them by any means...

 

[chicmom]

I would just use up what you have, then switch to the layer feed, but 16% all purpose is probably Ok for layers too, since it says all purpose. The layer feed I buy is 16% protein.

Hehe, your hubby is funny! I can't blame him for feeling that way, because it seems to take FOREVER for that first egg!

I just started using Purina Flock Raiser though, because I've got a few turkeys now too.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Chickens lay when they lay. Just as menses in young girls begins when it begins, whether 12 years old or 15 years old.

Don't rush the layer feed. All feed has some calcium. Once they begin to lay in earnest, you can make the switch, if you wish.