Seventeen week pullets – okay to feed layer crumble?

[wordgirl]

We're out of chick starter and we won't be able to get to the feed store at least until tomorrow, and our Wal•Mart carries layer crumble and medicated chick starter. We don't want them on medicated so soon to laying time, so are they old enough to eat layer, at least for a day or two, even though they aren't laying yet?

 

[Domestic_goddess]

I started my buff orps and brown leghorns on Layer feed about a month before then layed! They are doing great!

 

[toletiquesbysam]

I've heard 18-19weeks, but everyone has their opinions. Personally, if you had only the 2 choices, I'd go with the layer they are close enough!

 

[gritsar]

Close enough for layer feed.

 

[Toast n Jelly]

Quote:
I agree.

 

[twentynine]

yes it is okay

much better than going hungry

lots of folks switch to layer at 16 weeks

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
The MEDICATED in medicated wont hurt you.
If they are close to laying then switching now wont hurt them, most layer feeds say feed till you get your first egg, so pretend you have Leghorns, and you would have your first egg.

 

[wordgirl]

Thanks everyone! We chose the layer. Do you think we could just stick with layer, or should we go back to starter? One of our girls looks as though she might start very, very soon, though as far as I know has not laid an egg yet. Of course, many of the other pullets don't look like they'll be laying for at least another couple of weeks.

 

[wordgirl]

My Dad's on his way home, and will be going by the feedstore. Should I ask him to buy another bag of starter, or should we just use up the layer feed bag we got from Wal•Mart, and then switch back to the other brand, but stay on layer?

 

[briteday]

Go with the layer feed.