Timing is everything?

[Vikinglike]

My girls, six Buff Orpingtons and six Gold Laced Wyandottes, turn 16 weeks old today...
I’m not sure when I should begin to ...
1) mix layer feed with their starter food
2) give them oyster shell calcium
3) open the nesting boxes
I don’t want to miss the proper timing of these....
Any suggestions are appreciated!!
Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

My girls, six Buff Orpingtons and six Gold Laced Wyandottes, turn 16 weeks old today...
I’m not sure when I should begin to ...
1) mix layer feed with their starter food
2) give them oyster shell calcium
3) open the nesting boxes
I don’t want to miss the proper timing of these....
Any suggestions are appreciated!!
Thanks!

1) Don't mix layer feed with their starter feed. Just keep them on the starter, or an All Flock or Flock Raiser type feed for life. Shoot for something with a protein content between 18 - 20%.
2) Hang a container of oyster shell now right near your feeder. They will all sample it out of curiosity. That way they know where it is and it being right near the feeder, they are more likely to eat it.
3) If your girls are routinely roosting on their perches at night, you can open the boxes now and see how they do. If they are not roosting, leave them closed over night and open them up in the morning. Place fake eggs in them to help them get the idea of what they are there for but expect mistakes to be made when your pullets first start laying.

 

[Vikinglike]

1) Don't mix layer feed with their starter feed. Just keep them on the starter, or an All Flock or Flock Raiser type feed for life. Shoot for something with a protein content between 18 - 20%.
2) Hang a container of oyster shell now right near your feeder. They will all sample it out of curiosity. That way they know where it is and it being right near the feeder, they are more likely to eat it.
3) If your girls are routinely roosting on their perches at night, you can open the boxes now and see how they do. If they are not roosting, leave them closed over night and open them up in the morning. Place fake eggs in them to help them get the idea of what they are there for but expect mistakes to be made when your pullets first start laying.

Thank you!
I had read that you mix the starter and layer feed to transition to layer... you don’t recommend this?
I picked up a bag of this layer feed... 16% ? Thanks.

 

[DobieLover]

View attachment 1838604
Thank you!
I had read that you mix the starter and layer feed to transition to layer... you don’t recommend this?
I picked up a bag of this layer feed... 16% ? Thanks.

No, I don't.
IMO, layer feed is too low in protein. And when layers are not laying (moulting, broody, not developed yet), they don't need the extra calcium in the layer mix.
The bag is unopened. I would return it.

 

[aart]

No, I don't.
IMO, layer feed is too low in protein. And when layers are not laying (moulting, broody, not developed yet), they don't need the extra calcium in the layer mix.
The bag is unopened. I would return it.

Ditto Dat^^^....and @DobieLover's other post too.

 

[Folly's place]

x2! Also, always check the mill date on each bag of feed, and buy something that you can use within eight weeks of milling. Stores will tell you it's fine for six months or more; don't believe it!
Mary