When to start giving layer feed with pullets from different breeds

[Jenny Little]

We have 4 new pullets that just turned 16 weeks. 2 are gray australorps and 2 are cuckoo marans. I have read that the marans may not lay until they are 8-9 months old. Can I go ahead and start all the pullets on layer feed in a couple of weeks even though the marans may not lay for a good while? I have black australorps that started laying at 18 weeks in my first batch of chicks. I don't want to withhold layer feed from my australorps but I don't want to hurt the Cuckoo Marans. What do I do? Also if you have rooster, do you feed him the same feed as the girls?

 

[ChickNanny13]

You can feed Flock Raiser, All Flock, All Purpose to any age/sex ... Add Oyster Shells in a separate dish when the pullets start laying. The reason it's say not to feed layer to chicks & Roos is the higher calcium % in the feed may/can cause liver or kidney (I forget) damage. One feed, no switching, no shortage issues....

 

[Jenny Little]

Thank you ChickNanny13 for the information.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Welcome, that's what we/BYC Members are here for