Starter+Layer feed=grower feed?

[Alicennc]

While waiting in line for my 8-week old pullets, I learned they needed starter feed rather than layer feed like my other 3 hens. I bought a 50lb bag to carry me through the next 10 weeks and their transition to layer feed. Now I've learned they should be eating grower feed. Since I have all of this extra starter feed, can i just mix in some layer feed for their needs?

 

[R2elk]

While waiting in line for my 8-week old pullets, I learned they needed starter feed rather than layer feed like my other 3 hens. I bought a 50lb bag to carry me through the next 10 weeks and their transition to layer feed. Now I've learned they should be eating grower feed. Since I have all of this extra starter feed, can i just mix in some layer feed for their needs?

You can just continue to feed the starter until it is used up. Combining it with layer feed is bad because your end product ends up much higher in calcium than actual grower feed. The extra calcium is fine for pullets/hens that are laying but can be harmful to pullets that have not yet reached POL.

 

[swamphiker]

If your pullets are only 8 weeks old, it would be best to hold off on the layer feed until they are actually laying and keep them on starter or grower until they reach laying age. Starter/grower has more protein so it will be helpful to your growing pullets and fine for your laying hens, but the extra calcium in laying feed isn't good for young pullets that aren't laying yet.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Yes as @R2elk stated, use up what you've got. From 9 to 18 or 20 weeks they should be on grower feed (ideal) or an all flock feed. If the flock is integrated make sure the laying hens have access to supplemental calcium, like oyster shells or egg shells in a separate dish.

 

[Alicennc]

You can just continue to feed the starter until it is used up. Combining it with layer feed is bad because your end product ends up much higher in calcium than actual grower feed. The extra calcium is fine for pullets/hens that are laying but can be harmful to pullets that have not yet reached POL.

Perfect. Thanks!!