When can you switch from chick feed to layer feed?

[itssofluffy]

When can you switch from chick feed to layer feed? We've done it before and we just switched when they started laying, but my dad is really anxious to get these chicks off of chick feed asap Also, can I feed my roo layer feed too? Thanks a bunch

 

[americanvalkyrie]

I've heard that the biggest difference in laying food is the super-high calcium content. I have friends that feed a flock grower to all their chickens but keep oyster shell out for the layers, which I've heard is the healthiest way, since the calcium can be hard on the kidneys of birds that aren't laying. The in-between-stage is a grower like Flock Raiser.

 

[Fred's Hens]

When they lay. There's nothing to be gained by feeding layer early and yes, high calcium is potentially troublesome to the renal tract and can do damage you cannot see.

If you wish to get them off chick starter, and off of medicated chick starter, you've a number of choices. Grower, Starter/Grower (non medicated) or Raiser. Most feed companies provide a chart on the back of the bag and all provide a chart on their websites that offer the suggested schedule and options. I know of no feed company that suggest layer before 16 weeks. None.

 

[itssofluffy]

Thanks

I finally convinced my dad to let us keep them on chick feed for a while longer