Switch to layer feed?

[RPeter]

I have 12 pullets that are all the same age.

Some are production layers ( golden buffs and black stars) and some are not (barred rocks). From what I can tell BR are still several weeks maybe a month from laying. The production birds just started.

Question is should they all be switched to layer feed now, or keep them on grower for another month or so even though some are now laying.

Thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they're the same age and most are laying I'd switch now. It is a critical time. After just a few eggs, the available calcium in the medullary bone can be depleted. Birds that don't lay for a while can have a problem with excess calcium. Being mid summer, your BR shouldn't take too much longer.

Another option is to have oyster shell available separately all the time for the layers.

You could do the latter and mix the layer half and half. That would make the feed about 2.5% calcium.

 

[barneveldrerman]

if i were you i would feed them layer food just because its the time they should be laying. i would feed them layer crumbles until they get older if you are worried they will choke. i currently feed 50% crumbles and 50% pellets. I also give them a source of calcium on the side.

I hope this helps you and solved your question! GOOD LUCK

 

[DanEP]

either food is fine as long as you have oyster shell on the side. I offer oyster shell with all my food even layer, if they don't need ti they won't eat it but it seems like some girls just need more calcium than others. I usually have a mixed age flock so the grower works fine with oyster shell on the side. In fact I prefer it over layer as it's better for young pullets and the roosters who don't need the calcium.