Three new pullets...what should I feed them??

[Soujrnr]

Hello, friends. We just got three new pullets yesterday. We only have the layer feed for the other four girls. Is it OK to feed the pullets layer feed?? They are betwixt 6 and 12 months according to our friend who gave them to us, but we aren't exactly sure which point they are closer to. My "logical" idea is that layer feed will have more nutrients, and so wouldn't hurt the new ones at all, but I'm not a chickenologist to know for certain. What sayest thou?

 

[tlcmurphy]

you can feed them layer feed as they are close to, or already laying. My preference is All Flock feed which has higher protein, and oyster shell on the side.

 

[21hens-incharge]

While I also feed all flock with oyster shell on the side your new birds won't be harmed by layer feed at their ages.

 

[tlcmurphy]

Also, we’ll need pics

 

[rosemarythyme]

My "logical" idea is that layer feed will have more nutrients,

The single thing layer feed has more of is calcium for shell strength, that's it.

At 6 months or older if they haven't already come into lay, they may or may not before winter solstice comes, so I'm a little on the fence of whether or not I'd want to feed them layer at this point. It's probably okay, but might not be my preference.

If they're already laying then layer feed is fine.

 

[Soujrnr]

I don't believe they are laying yet, but they must be close at this age. However, winter is just around the corner, so would it be safe to assume they won't start laying until spring? Should I switch all the girls over to all flock for the winter? They do get oyster shells and grit on demand as well.

And pictures will be forthcoming on the morrow!!

 

[Soujrnr]

Oh, and the combs on the new girls are really short. Is that normal for pullets??

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't believe they are laying yet, but they must be close at this age. However, winter is just around the corner, so would it be safe to assume they won't start laying until spring? Should I switch all the girls over to all flock for the winter? They do get oyster shells and grit on demand as well.

They may or may not lay before the days start getting longer, that's the tricky thing about birds coming into lay around this time of year. I wouldn't be surprised if some did and some didn't.

I'd opt for the all flock myself, at least until they lay or all look close to laying (red combs and wattles).

Oh, and the combs on the new girls are really short. Is that normal for pullets??

Short as in not plump and not red? That would mean they're not yet ready to lay.

 

[BDutch]

Oh, and the combs on the new girls are really short. Is that normal for pullets??

Yes, as long as they don’t lay. As soon as they are ready to lay the combs grow and redden.

 

[Soujrnr]

Short as in not plump and not red?

They are red, but very short. Not plump at all. Sounds like that means they aren't laying yet.