Switching pullets to layer feed

[EMS83]

I have 14- and 16-week pullets that aren't laying yet. Can I go ahead and switch to layer feed? Feed them oyster shells? With my previous flocks, I waited until they started laying, but they're pretty close, and I'd like to go ahead fully integrate them with my older hens.

 

[Saveria]

How do their combs look? I would say it is safe if their combs are starting to show some color.

 

[EMS83]

Most ofbtheir combs are red. The hen on the left is 7. The two on the right are from earlier this year. The black one is the only one afaik whose comb is black.

The second picture is how most of the black australorps’ combs look.

 

[Captain13]

I switched mine over a couple of weeks ago at 16 weeks but I started by mixing starter/grower with layer pellets. Within a week, I was getting one to two eggs per day. Now they are on 100% layer and all are laying.

i had read, I believe on the Purina site to gradually shift them to layer to avoid digestive issues so that’s what I did.

 

[EMS83]

Awesome! I’ll do that and hopefully we’ll see some eggs soon!

 

[Captain13]

Here’s a tip to let you know when they are going to start laying. Hopefully you spend enough time with the girls to be able to easily touch them when you are in the run or coop. When they are about to start laying, if you touch them on their back, they will squat and put their wings out a little. All of mine did it and within a few days they were laying. It’s called Lordosis. Do a search on here for Squatting. There are some videos. Good luck. I was one a day, then two a day then five a day and on and on. At the point they started that, I went full layer pellets.

 

[Saveria]

Mine have always had a new found interest in the nesting boxes when they are about to lay. They would just hop up early in the day and check them out.

 

[missmychicks]

Mine have always had a new found interest in the nesting boxes when they are about to lay. They would just hop up early in the day and check them out.

Mine did the same. Then laid in the run!

 

[Saveria]

Mine did the same. Then laid in the run!

My rooster will tell them to lay in some weird places. Luckily mine are too sensible to listen to him.

 

[LaFleche]

I would just keep on feeding the starter/all flock and put out separate dishes with crushed oyster shell so those in need can get their fill.

Layer feed contains too much calcium for nonlaying birds/ males which can lead to kidney problems further on.