What age for layers pellets

[eggmandoo]

Hello. I have 3 chicks at 14 weeks on growers pellets. I have just replaced some Roos with three point of lay chicks. They are on layers pellets. I have the problem now that I am struggling to sepwrare feeds. Is there any problems with feeding the 14 week old layers pellets or is it a big no no.

 

[chickens really]

Keep then on the grower till the other start laying...Put out oyster shell for the layers....


Cheers!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

I agree with @chickens really . Starter or grower is perfectly fine for everyone with OS on the side.

Alternatively, for my mixed age and gender flock.... I use Flock Raiser with 20% protein and offer OS on the side for layers. Don't currently plan on changing any time soon.

Yes, it's a big No No (in my book). The problem with feeding the youngsters Layer is too high of calcium can both stunt their growth and cause long term kidney damage. There is no way to tell how soon your young will start to lay, if they even do this season. We are short on day light here. But even when not short on light, many of my layers (even supposed 16 week starters) didn't start until well after 24 weeks.

And one that started, laid for a month and already quit for the season.

NOBODY wants to deal with multiple feeds.

So what you call POL, are they actually laying? Sometimes with the stress of moving and integrating, laying can be diminished or even quit while they are adjusting to the new environment.

Best wishes!

 

[eggmandoo]

The Pol are 22 weeks and have been laying. Seem like the only option is grower for all and oyster shells on the side. I assume even the younger ones will eat this if presented with it, so feed the oyster shells separately

Thanks for all the info.

 

[GC-Raptor]

The younger girls will eat some oyster shell, but should not over indulge as long as their regular feed is fresh and available. GC