Switching from grower feed to layer feed

[momchick4]

The 6 big girls (2 wheatan marans, black sex link, New Jersey Giant, Silver Lace Wyandotte, & an Olive Egger) are 2 - 2 1/2 years old. I have only had them for about 6 weeks. I am sure they are molting because of the stress from moving them and then being introduced to 5 (approx. 20-22 week old) red sex link pullets. They all layed eggs for the first 2 weeks I had them. Three of them stopped laying and the coop is covered with feathers. The three that stopped laying have shriveled pale combs.

According to the previous owner they all molted about a year ago. I think molting varies by chicken, stress, environment, etc.....I am new to chickens.

The pullet eggs started out between medium to large eggs. Now they are between XL and jumbo in a short two week time frame. These girls lay everyday.

 

[The Chicken Fan]

The 6 big girls (2 wheatan marans, black sex link, New Jersey Giant, Silver Lace Wyandotte, & an Olive Egger) are 2 - 2 1/2 years old. I have only had them for about 6 weeks. I am sure they are molting because of the stress from moving them and then being introduced to 5 (approx. 20-22 week old) red sex link pullets. They all layed eggs for the first 2 weeks I had them. Three of them stopped laying and the coop is covered with feathers. The three that stopped laying have shriveled pale combs.

According to the previous owner they all molted about a year ago. I think molting varies by chicken, stress, environment, etc.....I am new to chickens.

The pullet eggs started out between medium to large eggs. Now they are between XL and jumbo in a short two week time frame. These girls lay everyday.

Okay. This is my first time owning chickens as well. I have 5 Rhode Island Reds and 5 Barred Rocks.

My eggs started out tiny, but we've been getting 3-5 eggs daily.

 

[ConPollos]

New chicken mom here,,,I didn't know not to feed my roo layer feed.  I have 8 hens and him, and they are on their 2nd 50lb bag of layer.  How do I feed him differently?  Now I'm worried something will happen to him...he is my favorite!  Suggestion?

Feed your girls and rooster a grower feed, and set out a dish of crushed oyster shells that your layers can eat free choice if they crave calcium. Your rooster and non-laying hens won't eat the oyster shell. You don't ever have to switch to layer feed, and shouldn't unless you're feeding a flock of hens that are all laying.