What to Feed After Laying Beings

[amandauc09]

Hello!
I have three chickens that were all hatched back in March. I have one already laying and the other two not yet. I am still feeding them Starter/Grower" feed but running out and don't know if its time to switch to a Layer feed? If so, what is a good brand? Any suggestions/advice is welcomed!

 

[GC-Raptor]

After 16 weeks of age, if the two pullets are showing signs of point of lay.
Red swollen Combs and Wattles, Squatting when you put your hand over them.
You can start to switch.
I used to mix the Starter-Grower feed 50/50 with the Layers pellets. You can also mixed the Pellets in with Scratch Grains temporarily and scattered on dry ground. They think the Pellets are a treat.
It can be a challenge, some Chickens don't like Pellets.
If you are staying with Crumbles you don't need to mix with Scratch.
I don't switch to a Layers feed anymore. I feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock/Flock Raiser feed 18/20% Protein with Oyster Shells separately.
Even if you change to a Layers feed, it's still a good idea to offer Oyster Shells in a separate container. I offer my Pullets Oyster Shells after 16 weeks of age. . GC

 

[Morrigan]

I don't switch to a Layers feed anymore. I feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock/Flock Raiser feed 18/20% Protein with Oyster Shells separately.

That's exactly what I do. Aside from not worrying about new chicks, and who's eating what, I've found my birds seem to do better with a little higher protein.

 

[Cryss]

That's exactly what I do. Aside from not worrying about new chicks, and who's eating what, I've found my birds seem to do better with a little higher protein.

Yup. The easiest way to feed all chickens at any point in their lives once they leave the brooder.

 

[That_australian_lad]

layer pelets , sun flower seeds and oster shell or cutle fish bone

 

[Folly's place]

Most layer feeds are 16% protein, which is minimum for most chickens, and adding sunflower seeds lowers the protein level, besides being a yummy candy treat, high in fat. Oyster shell in a separate dish, and an all flock or grower feed, 18% to 20% protein, has worked very well here for everyone.
Mary

 

[BigBlueHen53]

All flock is wonderful if you have roosters, too. Roosters don't need layer feed.

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

If Cost is not a problem, the girls can stay on what they have been eating and like, the Starter/Grower. You need to add the Oyster Shell, Free Choice, for Calcium, but there is no good reason to change to a lower protein feed, we'll other than it's usually cheaper because Protein is the expensive ingredient.
Look at it this way, Starter/Grower gave them all the Vitamins, Minerals, Trace Elements, Protein and Calories to grow from Peeps to beautiful Healthy Layers! Why would that feed SUDDENLY be NO GOOD for them and you gotta force them to eat something else!....JJ
Edited per Cryss catching my faux pas...

 

[Cryss]

Just don't mix the oyster shell in with the feed. Offer it separately like you do with grit. I have 2 small dispensers, one for grit, one for OS.
The reason not to mix it is that young non layers and roosters don't benefit from calcium. It can actually cause harm.

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

Oopps, Bad choice of words! Was thinking ADD as in have it available free choice, but didn't catch that it sounded like add Shell to the feed. Hey, I typed this before my morning Coffee...Really good Catch, Cryss...JJ