What to feed chickens, and when?

[Valk]

Hello. I have two age groups of chickens, the older six (two Barred Rocks, two Wyandottes, one buff Orpington and one Cochin) are coming up on 16 weeks. One feed store told me that feeding them pullet starter until they lay their first eggs can cause internal damage from too much protein, while another recommended feeding them starter all the way up to them laying their first eggs. Could someone please clear up this difference of opinion. I certainly don't want to harm my ladies.

The other six (all Ameraucanas) are 13 weeks old, so I'm assuming I'll need to separate their feed.

Thank you for any information!

 

[redsoxs]

I think you could still feed both groups starter or transition the older ones to a layer feed.

 

[Kernel Cluck]

At 16 weeks the pullets should be changed over to a Layer Feed. Lower in protein and I think its higher in Calcium. The 13 week old ones still need the grower/starter feed. Obviously you need to keep them separate somehow although not for very long because in 3 weeks, the younger ones can be switched over also. Good luck to you.

 

[Valk]

Thank you both for the information. This site is just wonderful and everyone is so helpful. Thanks again!