When is it safe to start layer feed

[Princess Lay- A]

I have 6 hens ( 2 that are 19 weeks and 4 that are 18 weeks ). They have been very vocal and squatting when I enter the run. Nesting Boxes are set up and they have had access to them for 4 weeks. They are all on Starter/grower and would like yo know when is a good time to start Layer feed. When they lay the first egg but , then what about the ones who aren't laying yet , I'm so confused. Please help.

I have 2 RIR - 19 weeks
2 Orpingtons( 18 weeks )
1 Barred Rock ( 18 weeks )
1 Black Australorp ( 18 weeks ) ( and her comb and wattles are a vibrant red now )

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

After they start laying. A layer ration isn't necessary, and is formulated to be fed as the sole rational to actively laying hens. You can leave them on the starter grower as long as it's non-medicated. Just add a separate bowl of oyster shells at about 4 months.

If you do use a layer ration be sure to switch them during their yearly molt to something with a higher protein. You do have another year before you need to think about that.

 

[Pigeony]

I find it simpler and healthier for my chickens to just offer all flock (or chick starter, much the same ingredients wise) with eggshells and oyster shells available separately. That way, everybody only takes as much calcium as they actually need. I feel that my hens are healthier since I started doing this and I never have to change their diet to cater to molting or older non-laying hens.

 

[CabritaChicks]

From my short time on this site, I can already tell this is one of those loaded questions—it really depends on your setup: free-range, small run, large run, barn, etc. Factors like enrichment, diet (supplemental vs. complete), breed, and whether they're egg or meat birds all play a role.

Since your girls are only a week apart in age, you're not really dealing with what I'd consider a "mixed-age flock." A 7-day gap isn't much. Honestly, do what works for you. Finish off the current bag of crumbles, offer some extra calcium on the side, and switch to layer feed once they start laying—if you want to. Or don’t.

Personally, I’m about to have a truly mixed-age flock. The new chicks will be on starter/grower in the brooder. My adults are still on starter/grower too (with crushed beach egg shells) because I’ve got half a bag left. Once the chicks move to the main coop, everyone will stay on starter/grower. Unless you have a way to separate birds—and I’m not messing with all that in my fancy coop—it’s just easier and makes more sense. Plus, mine free-range, so that changes things too. Grower + shell = everyone is happy.

 

[Anon112]

I find it simpler and healthier for my chickens to just offer all flock (or chick starter, much the same ingredients wise) with eggshells and oyster shells available separately. That way, everybody only takes as much calcium as they actually need. I feel that my hens are healthier since I started doing this and I never have to change their diet to cater to molting or older non-laying hens.

I agree with this.

I have roosters, so mine get an all-flock when they're all adults, and everyone gets starter/grower when there are chicks around. I always have oyster shell out for them, and try to provide some free ranging time each day when possible.

It shouldn't harm your chickens to stay on a starter/grower until you're sure they're all laying if you really want to switch over to a layer feed. (And even if you switch to layer feed, you'll still want to provide that oyster shell).