when can i switch my babies over to layer ration?

[adbayer]

i have 15/16 week old chicks, and im looking to move them in to the big girl pen. when can i switch them to the layer ration without hurting them?


also, i have a banty that has gone broody, and no roo. i ordered her some (copper maran!

) eggs, and plan to let her hatch them. do i *need* to seperate her from the rest of the flock? or can i leave her and her new babes in the big girl pen? how will the whole feed situation work out there? i guess im looking for some expertise advice


thanks in advance for the responses. BYC has benefited my flock so much. . . . so much help here, and wonderful community!

 

[Samilitant]

As for the 16-week olds, I would start NOW. My chickens didn't get switched until 22 weeks, and at 23 weeks started laying. The Layena from Purina Farms I give them has added calcium for making the egg shells. I think that helped get them going. With the broody hen--It will be fine. If she's old enough to be broody, she's old enough for layer feed.

 

[carrlr]

I typically don't start the layer feed until they are laying. I'm wanting to say that Purina recommends Layena starting at 18 weeks. If it was me, and if you are able to, I'd recommend they should stay on their current feed, assuming its some type of grower, until they're 17 weeks.

 

[adbayer]

oh my bad, what i meant with the broody was, could i set some eggs under her, let her hatch them in the "big girls pen" and let the littles stay in there with her, or should i move them to a seperate pen?


and yes, they are on grower feed now. hmm!

 

[bock]

I would wait until they are about 20 weeks to switch them. As for the broody, I would definately separate her. Some hens are good at protecting their chicks, but I have learned from personal experience that mine aren't. Good luck!