When should I switch to layer feed?

[junebuggena]

Ok thanks
Gray Farms said I could mix the feeds at 5 1/2,6 months can I ?
We have two buff orphingtons, two Columbian rocks, a EE,and a PR. I have about 30 pounds of layer feed left over from when the chicks were not outside yet with the older flock. Now they are with the older two in the same coop so I just didn't want it to get bad so I wanted to use it as soon as possible.

With your mix of breeds, it could be 6 months or later till those Orpingtons and Easter Egger start laying, while the Rocks will be laying by about 20 to 22 weeks. That's too long for a bird to be on layer feed without laying, in my opinion. That extra calcium can cause damage to the kidneys. I, personally, don't even bother feeding layer at all. Just not worth saving the extra few bucks. If you're not careful about limiting treats, you can end up with feather picking or egg eating issues, due to insufficient protein. Combined with the potential of kidney damage from the excess calcium when not laying; it's just not worth it.

 

[chickens really]

Ok thanks!

I'm soo confused thou cause everyone is telling me different. Do I wait til they all lay or after one like you said???
Thanks

Like I said. After the first egg. If one hen lays start them on the layer and oyster shell. Always what I have done.
Everyone does things their own way. Do what you feel is best?

 

[TwoCrows]

I start all of them on layer feed when the first one squats. You want them to have sufficient calcium in their system before they start to lay so they can put that first shell on. First time layers can have issues with putting a shell on and or getting that first egg out, both related to not enough calcium. It's the long term use of calcium in a bird that has no use for high calcium that is not good for them. A few weeks before anybody lays and there will be no health issues involved.

 

[Jenna14Chicken]

With your mix of breeds, it could be 6 months or later till those Orpingtons and Easter Egger start laying, while the Rocks will be laying by about 20 to 22 weeks. That's too long for a bird to be on layer feed without laying, in my opinion. That extra calcium can cause damage to the kidneys. I, personally, don't even bother feeding layer at all. Just not worth saving the extra few bucks. If you're not careful about limiting treats, you can end up with feather picking or egg eating issues, due to insufficient protein. Combined with the potential of kidney damage from the excess calcium when not laying; it's just not worth it. 

Ok, but what do I do with the 30 pounds of layer feed I have? I don't want it to go bad. Its from my old hens when the chicks were inside in the brooder. But no I have them all on starter since I now have a mixed age flock. Can I do what TwoCrows said or will they have health problems?

 

[Gray Farms]

Mix in a little bit everyday with their chick feed to get it used up. Like 20% or so won't hurt em at all.

 

[TwoCrows]

Mix in a little bit everyday with their chick feed to get it used up. Like 20% or so won't hurt em at all.

X2 As long as you are feeding birds that are NEAR to laying, you can mix the layer into the chick feed with no issues. (Never feed layer feed to small chicks, only those close to or at point of lay). Most chicken feeds last 3 months after opening. I wouldn't feed food older than 3 or 4 months after the date on the tag. Not only do vitamins and minerals lose their potency, but oils can go rancid, especially if this feed has been outside in humid and temperature changing air. Food can become very toxic to birds and it is not worth feeding them something that can harm them. I try not to buy too much feed that it goes past the 3 month mark.

 

[Jenna14Chicken]

It has been very humid and hot here so it is probably no good. What do you think?

 

[MeepBeep]

You want them to have sufficient calcium in their system before they start to lay so they can put that first shell on. First time layers can have issues with putting a shell on and or getting that first egg out, both related to not enough calcium.

If they are fed a regular commercial feed they should have plenty sufficient calcium reserves in their medullary bone stored up for the first eggs... And after that it only takes a chickens body a few hours to process and have consumed calcium available for egg laying and replenishing the medullary bone storage... As for new layers having issues putting the shell on and or getting it out, I beg to differ that this is due to a lack of calcium, more so it's because it's simply a new process and takes some time to get working properly...

IMO best to keep feeding them starter/grower or an an all flock with a side of oyster shells or limestone until hey are all laying, those that need the calcium will seek it out those that don't need it will ignore it...

I, personally, don't even bother feeding layer at all. Just not worth saving the extra few bucks.

I do the same, layer around me is no more expensive, but I can get unmediated 18% chick feed (or an all flock) for the same price, so I use that with a side of oyster... The 2% extra protein in the chick starter for the same price and the super low cost of oyster shells makes it worthwhile to me... Plus I have a mixed flock no need to calcium overdose the non-layers an risk their health...

 

[TwoCrows]

Every flock responds to different ways of feeding. Technically there is no right or wrong way to feed your flock if you adhere to basic knowledge of chickens. If you offer up all the necessary elements in their environment and of course start with good stock, most chickens will thrive by seeking out all they need on an individual level. Of course some hatchery stock breeds are prone to laying issues, but this is not the topic here.

Jenna14chicken, how old is your feed? There should be a tag or the seam along the bottom...should have the date the feed was manufactured. Feed can sit in warehouses long before it is actually bagged so there is really no telling how old a bag of feed is even though the tag has a date on it. For this reason I use my eyes and nose. Once you get used to buying a certain brand of feed, you will know what it should smell like when it is fresh. It should have a good smell, no discoloration, no bugs, dampness, clumps, etc...

If this bag of feed is over 3 or 4 months old, I personally wouldn't use it. Again, there is no telling how old it actually is. If you store feed correctly, in a dry, dark cool place, it should keep its quality for 3 months. If stored in a hot, humid environment, bag open to bugs and other things, all these situations cause feed to degrade, sour and can become toxic.

 

[Jenna14Chicken]

By the time it goes bad the chicks will be 17 weeks old. The feed is only about a month old or two now. I don't think my girls will be laying that early since I have a PR,two BOs,two CRs,and a EE.(Partridge Rock,Buff Orphingtons,Columbian rocks, and Easter egger) So will it be ok if I switch at 17 weeks? Or will I have to get rid of it? Also does any no around when these breeds will lay? I no it is whenever they feel like it and there is no date but is there like a between date like as junebuggena said the Rocks may lay between 20-22 weeks.?! Thanks so much everyone