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When should I switch to laying pellets/crumbs?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by Flyboy718, Nov 10, 2011.

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  1. Nov 10, 2011 #1
    Flyboy718

    Flyboy718 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    My Barred Rocks were born August 2. When should I convert them over to laying pellets/crumbles? I am about to finish off their third bag of grower/starter and I don't want to buy a whole new 50 pound bag of starter/grower and it go to waste when it is time either now or soon to switch. Also, does it matter whether pellets/crumbles?
     
  3. Nov 10, 2011 #2
    Soaring Chicks

    Soaring Chicks Soaring Hawks Farm

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    I feed starter till they lay the first egg then change to layer.
    i also feed greens to them till i change them.
     
  5. Nov 10, 2011 #3
    Fred's Hens

    Fred's Hens Chicken Obsessed Premium Member

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    Up North when it's hot, Down South when it's not.
    One more bag. They'll eat it in time. No worries.

    Layer, as you know, is merely regular feed, nothing magical. It has extra calcium ground into it, that's all. That high level of calcium isn't needed until your birds are in full lay. Your 13 week old chicks are too young to lay for at least another six weeks, on average, maybe more. Also, they'll go through the next bag even quicker because they are eating more as they grow larger.

    Bottom line? Get another bag of what you've been feeding. You've got time. Crumbles or pellets is a choice, and no, it doesn't matter which.
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2011

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