When do I put my girls on layer feed?

[mamichi]

My BO's are 15 weeks old and I'm due to buy another bag of food today. Can I put them on layer feed b/f they're laying or should I keep them on the grower formula?

I'm assuming they are going to start laying soon from what I've read.

thanks all,

M

 

[The Chicken People]

Mine are 15 weeks and I will wait untill they start laying then 25% starter mixed with layer, then 50%, then 75% layer mixed with 25% starter...finally they will have used all their starter and accept the different layer feed...it kinda gets them used to it...this is what I have read on BYC! It is highly recommended!

 

[hinkjc]

I typically wait until I see the first egg too, unless I need to integrate younger ones with older ones. If that is the case, I wait until they are around 16 weeks or so to integrate so they can have the layer feed without damage to their systems.

 

[mamichi]

Thank you! Yes, the gradual switch over makes sense. I guess I will be buying a bag of each

thanks again!

 

[logansmommy7]

Dumb question, how can layer feed damage their systems. My young ones get some of it as they are integrated with layers but they have their grower that they eat as well. Hoping I'm not doing too much damage. They seem healthy and growing fine...

 

[ranger4327]

helloo... need some info....

can someone explain to me the different feeds available and at what stage?

if i understand correctly... there is starter, grower, then layer feed ?

my girls are approx 8 weeks old now, when do i switch to grower ? i actually bought some and tried giving it to them and they dont seem to be eating it ! i realize it is a new to them, but then got wondering if it is too early to change their "diet"....

thank you !

 

[Mahlzeit]

Quote:
Hey ranger. I go with starter til about 8 weeks then mix in grower and starter for a bit until I'm out of starter. They stay on the grower til about 18 weeks or so when I mix the layer pellets in with the grower until again I am out of grower. Hope this helps.

 

[greengardengirl]

This is my rather simple take on what the different feeds are:

http://greengardengirl.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/chicken-feed-confusion/

Hope it helps!

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Layer has extra calcium for strong eggshells, and young chicks kidneys can be damaged by too much calcium.

I don't know how old they have to be to safely eat layer. But layer is also lower protein than starter or grower, and of course, they need the protein for optimum growth.

 

[letsgobucks!]

Cool. So how long should the hens be on the 25%, then the 50%, and so on? i.e. How long does this transition take?

Quote: