What age do you switch to a layer feed?

[annampet]

I know the feed bag has an age range on it but I want to know what people in the real world prefer My local TSC doesn't sell "All Flock" so right now I have my one laying hen and 7 pullets on Grower with some oyster shell on the side. I'd like to get them in to a layer feed soon but don't want to create any health issues.
Babies are almost 13 weeks old and I'll be picking up more feed this Friday. I'm thinking I should do one more bag of grower and then switch over. One bag lasts about two weeks for us.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Layer is fine..... but I guess if you can finish a bag within just 2 weeks then I suppose you can just do that. Plus you still have oysters (I'm assuming) so, yeah, on the side with your 'all flock'.

 

[annampet]

Layer is fine..... but I guess if you can finish a bag within just 2 weeks then I suppose you can just do that. Plus you still have oysters (I'm assuming) so, yeah, on the side with your 'all flock'.

Well...It might be closer to 2 1/2 weeks. Let's just call it 3 for argument sake....so they'll stay on grower until 16 weeks and then switch to layer feed. Should I switch them to layer sooner than that? My TSC doesn't sell all flock so I want to make sure they are getting everything they need in preparation of laying.

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

I usually switch once they start showing signs that the point of laying is near.

 

[Melky]

Well...It might be closer to 2 1/2 weeks. Let's just call it 3 for argument sake....so they'll stay on grower until 16 weeks and then switch to layer feed. Should I switch them to layer sooner than that? My TSC doesn't sell all flock so I want to make sure they are getting everything they need in preparation of laying.

I’m making some of the same decisions right now. Usually about 17-18 weeks is recommended time to switch over to a layer feed and ok to add oyster shell at 15 weeks in addition to poultry grit. I couldn’t get the bag of organic feed I wanted so I am doing one more bag of starter grower and by that time I can switch to 16% layer feed. I read a Q and A on a product companies site and it reported later is better than earlier on the switch and emphasized importance of not starting layer too early. So the bag I want is on order and one more bag of starter grower should get me there. I’m at 15-16 weeks right now. Other companies recommend starting later after first egg. I think the logic is they want to make sure you get them to breed weight first before backing off the protein and adding extra calcium. The free choice oyster shell will add extra calcium they need if say at 15 weeks and still on grower feed and this is ok. Hope this helps!

 

[lomine]

Layer feed should only be given to those that are actively laying. Switching too soon can slow their growth and they may start laying later than normal. If your hen is molting or getting ready to molt it would be better for her to be on higher protein too.

 

[annampet]

I’m making some of the same decisions right now. Usually about 17-18 weeks is recommended time to switch over to a layer feed and ok to add oyster shell at 15 weeks in addition to poultry grit. I couldn’t get the bag of organic feed I wanted so I am doing one more bag of starter grower and by that time I can switch to 16% layer feed. I read a Q and A on a product companies site and it reported later is better than earlier on the switch and emphasized importance of not starting layer too early. So the bag I want is on order and one more bag of starter grower should get me there. I’m at 15-16 weeks right now. Other companies recommend starting later after first egg. I think the logic is they want to make sure you get them to breed weight first before backing off the protein and adding extra calcium. The free choice oyster shell will add extra calcium they need if say at 15 weeks and still on grower feed and this is ok. Hope this helps!

Awesome info!!! Thank you!

 

[Capoken]

I read a book by "the chicken wisperer" that said to switch to layer around 16 weeks. That is what I did. 2 of 4 were laying at 20 weeks and 1 other started around 23 weeks. #4 is taking her time but that is OK.

 

[Deblett]

Layer feed should only be given to those that are actively laying. Switching too soon can slow their growth and they may start laying later than normal. If your hen is molting or getting ready to molt it would be better for her to be on higher protein too.

Hi, I am a little confused! It was recommended to me on BYC when I asked the Question" when should I switch to Layers?" that I do it around 18 weeks, which I did. My 2 pullets are still not laying and they are now 24 weeks old. So my question now is, have I retarted their growth and that is why they are not laying and should I now switch back to growers? (I can't get All Flock in Northern Portugal). The only other option for feed here is feed for producing birds for eating. Or can I continue with layers and supplement what they are missing with anything else?

 

[Melky]

It depends what type of breed when they start laying. Each breed may start at a different age and each bird is different. If you are on layer feed with poultry grit I think that is fine. No need to switch back. Also provide oyster shell free choice. This is the time of year where seasons are changing for most and daylight hours are diminishing. You may add a couple hours of supplemental light in the morning before day break is best but this can stress a bird. They may lay this season or in the spring if they mature late in the season. I do not add extra light because I believe in a natural process.