Too early for Layer feed?

[Punk-Rock_Chicken]

I have a small flock of 11 birds. (hens and 2 roos) They are around 16-17 weeks old now. They are just about out of "Chick Starter and Grower" feed, I am gonna stop by the feed store today to pick them up some more. I usually buy 50 lbs. at a time. My question is should I get them "Layer" feed, or is it too early. I could get a smaller bag of the starter/grower feed but just figured I would just go ahead and start them on the layer feed. Is there a danger in starting them too early on the layer? Why are you not sopposed to give them layer feed when they are little anyways? And what about the roos? Should they be fed something different? Sorry if I sound stupid or if these are stupid questions.

 

[pkeeler]

The extra calcium in layer feed can lead to developmental problems in small chicks. At 17 weeks, I doubt you would have such a problem. You might be 3-5 weeks early, but it should be fine. In fact, there is probably too much protein in the chick starter for birds of that age. So, unless you can find a bag of poultry grower/maintenance with around 14% protein, your flock would probably be better off with the layer and starter.

If you decide to change feed, try and do it before the old feed runs out. Mix in a bit everyday so there is not a sudden change.

 

[Punk-Rock_Chicken]

Quote:
Thanks... I was beginning to wonder if I was gonna get any replies at all. The feed at the local feed store is "F-R-M 15% Layer" Does the 15% mean its 15% protein?

 

[pkeeler]

Yes, the percentage on the bag is always the protein. "Layer" means it is calcium fortified.

 

[TXmom]

I was just about to post the same question, but of course I looked in this section first to see if it had recently been answered.

Mine are 18 weeks old and their combs and wattles are growing and turning red, and they even squat for me sometimes when I pet them...and of course, now I'm running out of Starter. I've been feeding them Purina Start and Grow. I don't want to buy another 50 lb bag and I was thinking about getting Layena now. Since I have so many different breeds, not all of my pullets are ready to lay, and I do have a few roos, so I'm thinking right now I'll buy smaller bags of both feed and mix them for a while.

 

[speckledhen]

You can go ahead and change them over. They are close enough to maturity.

 

[pkeeler]

Roosters can eat layer feed. But there is an alternative to layer pellets. You can feed regular grower or maintenance feed (sometimes feed stores will call this turkey feed) and put out crushed oyster shell in a separate feeder.

If the only feed you can find is high in protein, you can mix with lower protein oats (or other grains). Do a Google search for Pearson's Square. Supposedly, you can even forget about mixing and put the high protein feed in one feeder, the low protein grain in another, and the crushed shells in another. The chickens will mix their own.

Sometimes, you come up with the best plans in theory but then run into a wall of ignorance at the feed store.

 

[Wynette]

Just another opinion...I don't start mine on layer feed until the first one from that hatch lays the first egg. If you start them too early, you are "forcing" them to mature more quickly, which can sometimes cause problems later on with laying. JMO.

 

[Ga Grain]

what if you have some that are laying and some that are two big for the grow out box but still far from laying?

 

[rancher hicks]

I've been wondering this same thing as my birds are 13 wks. I thought maybe I could start by mixing the layer with the chick feed and gradually make the transition. Would that work out ok?