What age ?

[City Farmer Jim]

What age can chics be switch to pullet/hen feed. We have 2 Cream leg bars and 2 Barneveld chics we got on good Friday and were 5 weeks old then. They are BIG girls now lol We are going to integrate them more than likely the week of 4th of July...

 

[Mantisquailman]

I would switch them now.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Many of us don't switch - keep them on an All Flock-type formulation with free choice water, grit, and calcium sources in separate dishes all their lives. It is ultimately better for them if you don't put them on a high calcium "layer" type formulation until they are actually laying or at least are on the very verge of laying. Your Legbars likely won't start laying for another 2 months +/- (start of lay is more a strong suggestion that a calendar date - they may start sooner, or not), your Barnevelders after that.

I'd keep them on their starter/grower/all flock as long as possible. Results, ultimately, in a slightly healthier bird, closer to its best possible performance.

 

[City Farmer Jim]

I purchased a 10lb bag of chic starter while waiting on replies and when its gone(very soon as they are chicken pigs) will switch to all flock. How will all flock affect egg production? Its not a big deal really but more of an FYI so I don't panic which ever way egg production goes..y'all here are some awesome with all the knowledge you have and willing to share it ...thank you from the bottom of my peep peep pickin heart..

 

[City Farmer Jim]

Sorry I'm going to switch ALL our hens, pullets to all flock

 

[tlcmurphy]

My girls are on All Flock and it’s fine for laying hens as long as they have oyster shell available for calcium. I don’t like the thought of giving them lower protein layer feed, and I have one girl that no longer lays.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I purchased a 10lb bag of chic starter while waiting on replies and when its gone(very soon as they are chicken pigs) will switch to all flock. How will all flock affect egg production? Its not a big deal really but more of an FYI so I don't panic which ever way egg production goes..y'all here are some awesome with all the knowledge you have and willing to share it ...thank you from the bottom of my peep peep pickin heart..

According to the research, the typical All Flock (assuming they have a free choice calcium source available) will IMPROVE laying.

However, unless your current layer is nutritionally inadequate, you will never see the difference. The improvements are only about 1 gram on average in average egg weight, and a couple extra eggs per year to maybe an extra half dozen from a prime layer.

Most of us feed All Flock for reasons other than more eggs.