Re: switching feed with a mixed age flock

[BeOK]

What’s the best way to switch from starter feed to layer feed ? We have four 10 week old and ten 6 week olds who are all currently still on starter feed - I’m obviously thinking ahead here. They all eat from the same food source. Can I switch them all to layer feed before the younger set hit that 18 week mark ? Are there adverse reactions to them having that type of nutrition prior to actually laying ?

Pic of some of my younger flock for fun

 

[black_cat]

Chickens of any age can eat grower or all flock feed, and you can provide oyster shell on the side for laying hens to get the calcium that they need.

 

[CluckerFamily]

You could feed them all starter until the last ones start laying. Provide oyster shells for the laying hens.

 

[BeOK]

Still give grit also, correct ?
and I’m guessing that I should offer oyster shell in a separate container, similar to grit ?

 

[black_cat]

Still give grit also, correct ?
and I’m guessing that I should offer oyster shell in a separate container, similar to grit ?

Yep and yep!

 

[CluckerFamily]

Still give grit also, correct ?
and I’m guessing that I should offer oyster shell in a separate container, similar to grit ?

Yes, offer both in separate dishes. I use pvc end caps that I drilled a hole in the bottom in case it got wet and then I drilled the pvc end caps into a post in the run. Some people do small buckets.

 

[BDutch]

I would probably switch to layer feed when the youngest hens are about 16 - 18 weeks. Not overnight but mixing starter with layer for a few weeks. Also depending on the amount of stock.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Can I switch them all to layer feed before the younger set hit that 18 week mark ?

Sure. I've started mixing Layers feed into Starter-Grower feed 50/50 at 16 weeks old. I wouldn't start younger, and mix till 18 weeks old or longer to use up the Starter-Grower.

I no longer feed a layers feed. I feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock feed now.
Offer Oyster Shells in a separate container, I put out Oyster Shells after 15 weeks.

Still give grit also, correct ?

Yes. I offer Poultry Grit after 7 weeks and keep in a separate container.

Two of my Pullets consumed Oyster Shells first thing this morning, right after filling their crop at the feeder.

The other finished before I could get a photo. GC