what to do about food if some start laying before others

[golddustmommy]

This is my first chicken rodeo, so I needed a little advice on food. I read on here somewhere that you start feeding them layer feed only after they start laying, because if you feed it before the calcium can screw up their systems? I have 4 Red Stars, 3 wyandotte, and 2 BJGs. The reds supposedly start laying between 18 and 22 weeks, but the others not until around 6 months. So how do I handle the food situation once the reds start laying? I'm assuming if it's in there, the others will eat it. And I know if they don't have it, the eggs wont form right. How does one normally get around this problem? I'm sure there is probably a very obvious answer lol

 

[AlleysChicks]

Keep the food the same and just offer a bowl of oyster shell on the side for layers

 

[AlleysChicks]

And if you have roosters feed a all flock food with oyster shell on the side

It's easier than it seems.

 

[blackdog043]

There is no need to change their feed, just have oyster shell available in a separate container/dish for the layers. They will eat it, if needed and the others will pretty much leave it alone. There are quite a few of use that keep our flock on All Flock or Starter/Grower and just have oyster shell in a dish. This makes it real easy if you ever add new chicks to your flock. Once they are all laying, you can switch to layer feed, if that's the way you want to go.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Keep the food the same and just offer a bowl of oyster shell on the side for layers

X2

 

[golddustmommy]

thanks guys!