transitioning to layer feed

[mopalia]

My 3 silver Wyandottes are at week 15. Do I stat transitioning them from starter to layer feed now? Soon? Maybe start with 75% starter/25% layer for a week, then 50/50 for a week and so on? I realize I am probably being over-precise, but all those years of teaching math and science have left me hopelessly obsessed with exact measurements. TIA for your patient help.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

My 3 silver Wyandottes are at week 15. Do I stat transitioning them from starter to layer feed now? Soon? Maybe start with 75% starter/25% layer for a week, then 50/50 for a week and so on? I realize I am probably being over-precise, but all those years of teaching math and science have left me hopelessly obsessed with exact measurements. TIA for your patient help.

Its a good idea to slowly mix it until they are 100% layer ration. At 16 weeks you can switch to layer ration though. Good luck!

 

[bobshere]

I started mine on grower after a few weeks. I have some layers and chicks. I feed them all grower for now. You shouldn’t start on laying feed until they start laying eggs.

 

[SueT]

You switch to layer only when they start laying.
Or feed an all flock feed ...and offer oyster shell on the side. I do the latter. I use Purina flock raiser.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

I agree to let them wait, but there is no harm in giving it to them at 16 weeks, I have read on several sites and articles that you should give them layer feed at 16 weeks or laying... whatever comes first.

Hope this helps!

 

[mopalia]

I started mine on grower after a few weeks. I have some layers and chicks. I feed them all grower for now. You shouldn’t start on laying feed until they start laying eggs.

These girls won't be used for meat, only eggs - and when the eggs stop, they'll be "mobile garden ornaments." So I didn't think grower would be appropriate.

 

[mopalia]

I agree to let them wait, but there is no harm in giving it to them at 16 weeks, I have read on several sites and articles that you should give them layer feed at 16 weeks or laying... whatever comes first.

Hope this helps!

yes, thanks - I think I am just over-thinking this, as usual.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

I waited until two of mine started laying before I started layer feed, which was 20 weeks. Before that, I started offering a dish of oyster shell in the run. When I started layer feed, I mixed it about a fourth layer and 3/4 starter. Then I gradually increased the layer.

 

[Mosey2003]

Best practice is to put out a dish of oyster shell just before you figure they'll start laying, anywhere after 14 weeks. Then, when you know they're all laying, you can transition to layer feed. I know I've posted this a lot, but I personally just never use layer, I keep them on grower all their lives. Easier not storing more than one feed. As long as they have oyster shell available, they're fine. Plus the grower has higher protein, which means more eggs and better re-feathering during molting.

 

[GC-Raptor]

My 3 silver Wyandottes are at week 15. Do I stat transitioning them from starter to layer feed now? Soon? Maybe start with 75% starter/25% layer for a week, then 50/50 for a week and so on? I realize I am probably being over-precise, but all those years of teaching math and science have left me hopelessly obsessed with exact measurements. TIA for your patient help.

I waited to switch feeds till they started to squat when you reach down to them and combs were red and swollen on some of the pullets.
I started to switch feeds by mixing Layers pellets with Start & Grow crumbles 50/50.
I offered Oyster Shells in a separate container.
I also mixed the pellets with Scratch Grains 50/50 and scattered on the ground to get them used to pellets. You can skip that if you're switching to Layer Crumbles.
I did that for about 2 weeks until the Chick feed ran out, before adding just Layers feed, to the feeder.
You can offer Oyster Shells separately at 16 weeks.
I would keep them on a Non-Medicated 18-20% Starter-Grower feed till they squat or the first egg before switching.
My Red sex-links started to squat and Combs were swollen and red around 15 weeks so I started the switch at 16 weeks and 2 started to lay at 16 1/2 weeks and the last to lay was 19 weeks.
My hens are now 28 months old and I am feeding them a Non-Medicated 18% Start & Grow with Oyster Shells separately. Why?
My hens feather pick on a 16% layers feed, they don't with a 18% Protein feed. GC