What should I be feeding my hens? They're not laying age yet.

I'm still learning and this site helps a lot. There's a forum on Fermented Food, you may want to look it up and ask your question there. I've gotten different feedback on when to start layer feed, some say wait until they start laying while others say at 18wk.

My 6 pack make 18wks tomorrow but aren't expected to lay for another few weeks (Wyandottes, Ameraucana, Orpingtons). I've decided to do the All Purpose until they lay then give them Oyster Shells on the side. Comparing the nutritional values of layer vs AP, they are similar, the difference in value is fiber & calcium (AP has less). They grub all day so thinking they're ok but read alfalfa crumbs adds extra fiber.

I'd like to try FF but it seems like extra work & not done with layer, so I gave up on the idea. Check out the FF forum, alot of posts.

 

getting new chicks Tuesday bought dumor starter feed is this good for them and how long do u keep them on this then go to what feed thanks

 

I use medicated chick starter, told by the breeder to keep them on it until they're 18wk then change to grower or all purpose or layer...depends on what kind of chickens you're raising. I decided on AP after comparing the nutritional values, when all my pullets start laying will switch to layer. Using AP I can put a dish of oyster shells for the added calcium lacking in the feed, Layer has all that is needed for egg laying but told that "extra" calcium not good for chicks. It gets confusing at times, everyone has their our opinion due to experiences and you take in all the info & decide which is best for you. Have fun

 

This is called a Feed Chart. Most feed companies create this charts to offer a suggested feed schedule for their products. This one is from Purina, as it happens. It shows the "basics" of what to feed when.