When to feed layer feed to 15 week old chicks?

[chixcoop]

I have 5 hens that are 15 weeks old, and 2 roosters.....

1) When can I feed the 15 week olds layer pellets?
2) Can the roosters eat layer pellets also?
3) My hens dont really like oyster shells, is that a problem? How many should they be eating a day?
4) Do bantam hens lay at about the same age of 17 weeks of adults?

Thanks, I had alot of questions so I thought I'd list them out!

 

[Pork Pie]

I have 5 hens that are 15 weeks old, and 2 roosters.....

1) When can I feed the 15 week olds layer pellets? - do not feed until they begin laying
2) Can the roosters eat layer pellets also? - excess calcium is considered harmful in the long term, but I'd say its a personal call
3) My hens dont really like oyster shells, is that a problem? How many should they be eating a day? - they will only eat if they feel a need for more calcium, but as they are not laying, they will not feel that need
4) Do bantam hens lay at about the same age of 17 weeks of adults? Dunno, but I've never had a hen lay so early.

Thanks, I had alot of questions so I thought I'd list them out!

What some members do in terms of feed is give the their flock general flock feed and provide the oyster shell as an option for their layers. It makes feeding a simpler process.

All the best
CT

 

[Wyorp Rock]

What some members do in terms of feed is give the their flock general flock feed and provide the oyster shell as an option for their layers. It makes feeding a simpler process.

All the best
CT

X2

 

[chixcoop]

Thanks, but do the hens know that they need the oyster shells or that the shells will help them? Can they tell?

 

[Pork Pie]

Sounds bizarre, but yep, they can sense when they need a calcium boost apparently.

CT

 

[ECBW]

Not bizarre at all, human are the same.

 

[chixcoop]

Quote: So do you think its okay to feed my flock (including the roosters) the rest of the layer feed till i'm out, then start using the purina flock feed?

 

[Pork Pie]

So do you think its okay to feed my flock (including the roosters) the rest of the layer feed till i'm out, then start using the purina flock feed?

Sure, there's no point in wasting money!


CT

 

[chixcoop]

Quote: Ha ha, good point

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