We R getting close....

[Lovable Chicks]

My white leghorns are about 16 weeks old and have started to get red and this morning one even squatted in front of me...

Couple questions...

Should I give them oyster shells??

Why do there feathers seem to be turning yellow??

 

[HEChicken]

You can offer oyster shell on a free choice basis - they will only take it if they need it. The yellow is probably just a little dirt.

 

[Lovable Chicks]

Can I start them on layer pellets?

No, the yellow is not dirt. I just wondered if the sun can do it to the feathers.

THANKS

 

[SebrightLuver]

I think you should be safe on layer pellets, Leghorns are early layers anyways

 

[chicmom]

I would switch to layer pellets now, if you haven't already done that, and offer them the oyster shell, free choice, in a separate feeding dish. They will take what they need.

And as far as the yellow color goes, do you feed them alot of corn? That will give them a yellowish hue if they get alot.

They're really cute! YES YOU ARE SO CLOSE NOW! Oh the suspense!

 

[LibertyChick]

My chicks are 14 1/2 weeks and will be laying soon as their combs and waddles are turning red. I haven't started feeding the layer pellets yet but I have them and read to give it to them. Can I give it to them now?

I have the nesting boxed blocked off so they won't go in there. Should I open that up for them and get it ready to start laying eggs now? I don't want them laying in it and pooping in there.

Thanks,

 

[N&MSchroeder]

I buy my feed at a local feed mill and the owner told me not to start them on layer feed until at least half of the flock is laying. He told me they don't need the extra calcium when they first start laying and since he has been raising chickens for 50 years, he should know what he is talking about.

I have 6 of my 15 girls laying and am just now ready to start them on layer feed.

 

[Lovable Chicks]

Thanks everyone.

They do get some corn but I didn't feel it was a lot...about 1/2 cup each night for 14 chickens.

Its so funny how we act over them laying eggs huh....but so love seeing the first ones.

 

[Lovable Chicks]

Well I was right...got our first egg today from the leghorn pullets...

1 st is new leghorn layer, 2 nd is a bantam egg, and 3 rd is normal size egg (either GLW or BR)

 

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

congrats!