When can I switch the feed?

[peep-a-boo]

My "chicks" are now 17 weeks. I think I have a week's worth of chick feed left. Do I need to wait for that 1st egg to switch to layer feed or can I switch now?

 

[nicolemac]

At 17 weeks they can move onto adult layer feed just now, to make a smooth transition mix your chick feed with with adult feed so they can get used to it - although they probably wouldn't be bothered. At maybe 20 weeks you can start adding extra calcium - just before they start to lay.

 

[peep-a-boo]

Thank you! I forgot about the oyster shells, so thanks for that too!

 

[Fred's Hens]

Or, just feed them an all flock type feed, such as Flock Raiser and offer the calcium source on the side. They'll pick at it, if they need it.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

If your planning on offering oyster shells free choice then you don't even need layer feed. You can use the grower blend or stay with a non medicated stater blend or like Fred said an all flock blend but those are more expensive. The only reason I feed a layer blend is it's the only blend I can get in pellets near me. With the layer blend I don't offer added calcium. My chickens waste feed if in crumbles- knock it on ground as eating then it's dead to them.