When to feed chickens layer feed?

[Tlforbes]

Hello! I am new to this group and raising chickens. I have 18 week road island reds/black sexlinks, 11 week old polish/ sapphire gems. My question is should i start feeding the older girls layer feed now or wait until their actually laying eggs? Also what is the difference between cracked corn and scratch feed?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Keep feeding them same chick feed you are now with Oyster Shells in a separate container, till all are laying.
Most scratch grains have cracked corn with wheat and rye or other grains.
It's a treat that's scattered on the ground. GC

 

[Blooie]

I never feed layer. My mixed flock of assorted ages of chicks, layers, roosters and freeloaders did fantastic on Grower or All Glock with oyster shell in a separate container. Our feed store is a 50 mile drive one way, so I bought whichever they had or whichever had the freshest date on the bag. No issues at all.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I usually start layer at 18 weeks & most of my chickens lay by 19-20 weeks.

 

[Mosey2003]

I never feed layer either. They can stay on chick feed indefinitely. Just put a dish of oyster shell out. If you want to feed layer, wait until they're all laying. Extra calcium in a bird that doesn't lay isn't a positive.

 

[Chris2018]

When I did feed a layer I would never feed a layer feed until the hens were laying. The name of the feed says it all, Layer Feed.

Quote from the instructions on a layer feed that I once used.

Feed as the sole diet free-choice to laying hens, breeding hens and game birds for maximum production and improved hatchability. Do not feed BUCKEYE™Nutrition Layer/Breeder Pellets to young and growing birds not in production due to the high level of calcium.

 

[ChickNanny13]

When I did feed Layer, I started at 18wks or when they started laying ... Until the past year and a half. After reading about feeds right here on BYC. Now I start chicks off on a 10# bag of Med Chick Starter, I ferment so it lasts at least a month depending how many chicks. Once that bag is gone, I switch to Flock Raiser and add an extra dish of Oyster Shells when they start laying. Never had any issues with egg shell thickness, in fact I was told the egg shells are strong.

 

[Tlforbes]

Keep feeding them same chick feed you are now with Oyster Shells in a separate container, till all are laying.
Most scratch grains have cracked corn with wheat and rye or other grains.
It's a treat that's scattered on the ground. GC

Thank you!