When should I switch to layer feed?

[Jenna14Chicken]

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.

I threw the bag away and poured it in a tote when I bought it so I really have no way of knowing that was a waste of money that could have helped with the chickens coop upgrade that I can't do yet cause I have no money

 

[junebuggena]

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

Orpingtons typically start laying at about 24 weeks old, some may lay a bit earlier, some will hold out longer. With the Easter Egger, could be 18 weeks, could be 8 months, or anything in between. There is no telling with them.

 

[chickens really]

I would just do what you feel is best instead of getting stressed..They are Chickens and we all make some mistakes but learn from them. Relax and just do what works for your birds.

 

[Jenna14Chicken]

Orpingtons typically start laying at about 24 weeks old, some may lay a bit earlier, some will hold out longer. With the Easter Egger, could be 18 weeks, could be 8 months, or anything in between. There is no telling with them.

Thank you!

I would just do what you feel is best instead of getting stressed..They are Chickens and we all make some mistakes but learn from them. Relax and just do what works for your birds.

Thank you!

 

[chickens really]

Thank you!

Thank you!

No problem.....Really!
Relax and enjoy them....End of the day they are Chickens and do well on their own without people looking over their shoulders wondering about their poop to laying an egg...Chickens first.

 

[Britney M]

What age is old enough to eat layer feed my youngest are 3 month old light brahmas, and silver laced wyandottes 3 months also, then I have 4 month old Americauna/EE, and speckled Sussex. I found one verry

small light cream egg yesterday the first egg so far

 

[Blingchix6]

I remember when I was waiting for my first egg. Seemed like forever. Then one day I saw that Dr Boutros (my Black Australorp) was acting different and I decided to watch her. She jumped up in the nest box and I saw her lay her first egg!!! It was a VERY exciting day for me!!! Your chickens will lay eggs when they are ready. The WAITING seems to take forever!!!!! You will be so excited to hear the first egg "song" Be patient. You are not alone !!

 

[chickens really]

What age is old enough to eat layer feed my youngest are 3 month old light brahmas, and silver laced wyandottes 3 months also, then I have 4 month old Americauna/EE, and speckled Sussex. I found one verry small light cream egg yesterday the first egg so far

Now start the Layer feed....First egg, even if the rest are still not laying. My uncle has been doing it for 60 years..Also start the oyster shell now too.
Congrats!!!