Barbara Lember
In the Brooder
The avian vet said to start transitioning around 16 18 weeks. I think we transitioned at 18 weeks with our RedsTypically you want to start to transitioning your hen at about 18 weeks old because at that age typically their reproductive system is working on making an egg so the hen will crave a higher calcium feed (layer feed is made specially for laying hens and has the extra supplements they need at this stage. Also very important to offer.oyster shell (Offer in separate container) so she can produce an egg that is strong and healthy. I would suggest not just switching from the grower feed to layer feed, but make it about a week of mixing together and then each day a bit less grower and a bit more layer until it's just layer feed. Also, please bear in mind that chickens aren't meant to eat soy. We feed organic soy and corn free layer feed along with veggies, (ck chart for what vegies chickens can eat.)watermelon, sprouted grain bread, and sometimes a piece of cooked corn on cob.(they love) for snacks. and we get perfect healthy eggs. and have happy chickens. The two babies laying in mychair are Gracie and Ginger, the two newest to the family. Ginger a Buff Orpington and Gracie a Blue Laced Red Wyndotte. I must say after havin g many different breeds, the Buff Orpington is the calmest, and most friendly sweetest bird I ever had.