when do i feed my chick layer feed? and do i feed them oyster shells too?

[chicklover1998]

well this is my first year with chickens and I am wondering if I should feed them layer feed and shells . well at the moment they are at least 5 weeks of age and this Sunday they will be six weeks. and I am not sure if I should feed them and if I do feed them to early will they die like I have been told or will it be ok if they do eat it at there age?
thanks,
chicklover1998

 

[Percheron chick]

Keep them on chick starter only until they are about 16 weeks. They need the extra protein for feathers and growing and the high Ca of layer feeds and oyster shells are hard on their kidneys. You can start them on limited treats of grass, fruit, vegetables, bread... for some variety now.

 

[Keltara]

I kept my chicks on starter/grower until they began to lay. Then I switched them to layer. I don't add any additional calcium since the feed I give them has all the calcium they need. (It's an organic feed). They also free range from dawn till dusk. If your shells are not strong when they begin laying, then you can offer oyster shells. They will eat what they need. Just keep it readily available. But the babies do not need the added calcium until they begin to lay.

Kelly