When do you go to layer feed?

[pawsplus]

When do you move pullets off of starter feed to layer feed? Do you wait until they are actually laying? Or sooner?

Thanks!

 

[vjbakke]

The usual rule is see an egg, switch feed and add oyster shell.

 

[JodyJo]

Quote:
x2 mine are 16 weeks, one is 18....just awaiting now!

 

[Auscal]

Quote:
I was under the impression if you switch to layer feed (I've read at 18 weeks or the first egg, whichever is sooner), then oyster shell is not needed. The layer feed already has the added calcium. Oyster Shell is only needed if you are feed grower, flock raiser or similar.

 

[cafarmgirl]

I switch when they are around 18 weeks old or so, whether they've started laying or not since at that age it's going to happen soon. Especially if you see them getting red in the comb and face, they are pol. And also if I am getting to the last of the starter/grower I just make the switch.

I also always keep oyster shell available even though they are on layer feed and they do consume quite a bit of it. Haven't had a soft shelled egg yet.

 

[classicsredone]

Having free-choice oyster shell doesn't hurt. They may not get enough calcium from their pellets if they have access to grass, veggies, etc. Mine are on layer pellets, but still eat quite a bit of oyster shell.

 

[AlienChick]

I switched mine over to the layer crumbles when they were about 18 weeks old just because that's when I happened to run out of the starter crumbles.

I also offer oyster shells that they nibble at on occasion.

 

[vjbakke]

My girls are are almost 17 weeks old, I am over half way through a bag of grower and I plan on getting a bag of layer next week for them. They are not laying yet, but should be soon

 

[Saltcreek]

Quote:
Purina bags say at 18 weeks. And don't feed Starter or grower if it's medicated and they are getting ready to lay. Don't use the first eggs if they are on medicated unless you like medicine too.

 

[Fluffy2]

Raked the sand bottom coop today and there were 2 soft shelled eggs in the feathers and poop. Missed one day of raking! So those were their first eggs!!

The eggs were white and all of the hens are supposed to be brown eggers...?? I am blaming the red sex-linked hen? Boy, they were all up in each others faces (all 4 girls) today. They are 16 weeks old now. So we threw out some scratch and they loved it. Will get some oyster shell on Monday. Any other suggestions? Using Layena layer feed.
thanks
Fluffy2