When do I start changing out the feed?

[jafo]

Good Morning from Vermont.

We have 6 Orpington. 1 Rooster 5 mos old, and 5 hens, 3.5 - 4 months. We been feeding crumbles, and I'm wondering how or when to start feeding the pellets, or layer. Should I make each available, and let them decide?

 

[Ridgerunner]

This Oregon State site gives a lot of information on feeding chickens. You might be interested.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/pnw/pnw477/#anchor1132074

In answer to your specific question, the normal answer is to feed layer when they start laying or around 20 weeks, whichever happens first.

 

[Ridgerunner]

This Oregon State site gives a lot of information on feeding chickens. You might be interested.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/pnw/pnw477/#anchor1132074

In answer to your specific question, the normal answer is to feed layer when they start laying or around 20 weeks, whichever happens first.

 

[Birch Run Farm]

Switch to pellets anytime, keep their protein up. They will waste less on pellets. I switch chicks to pels as soon as they can manage them which is about when they get their first set of feathers.

 

[jafo]

Thanks for the info on the site, and all the responses. I'll pick up some pellets today, and see what they do. I got about another week to finish the crumbles, so now's a good time! Thanks again,,,,,,,,,

 

[Ridgerunner]

If they are on crumbles now and you are switching to pellets, mix the food a couple of days as you switch to help them transition. Some have no problem with the switch and some do.