When to start layer feed with different breeds/laying starts

[LittleMissCountry]

I have four hens, 2 buff orps and 2 black sex links. I know buff orps usually lay later, in general, and black sex links can lay earlier.
I had posted in another forum thread that one of my black sex links has grown her wattles and her comb and wattles are red. That seemed to just happen this week! She is more docile than usual as well, letting me pet her and coming over to me.
The other hens are just starting to grow wattles and still have pale combs.

So when do I start layer feed? If I keep them on the start and grow (non med), and offer oyster shell, will only the ones that need it take it? I hadn't planned on starting layer feed until at least 18 weeks, and then only if some had started laying.
Would it be okay to put oyster shell in after the first egg, or do they need it before they start laying to get enough calcium? Sorry, so confused!
ETA that they are 15 weeks now.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

There is no need for a layer. Switching off your higher protein starter can actually delay the start of lay. Put out your separate bowl of oyster shells. I personally don't feed a layer anymore. They go from a starter to an All Flock ration.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

There is no need for a layer. Switching off your higher protein starter can actually delay the start of lay. Put out your separate bowl of oyster shells. I personally don't feed a layer anymore. They go from a starter to an All Flock ration.

Thank you! So I can put out the oyster shell separately and they won't eat it unless they need it? I don't want to cause damage to their kidneys.

 

[Kiki]

Thank you! So I can put out the oyster shell separately and they won't eat it unless they need it? I don't want to cause damage to their kidneys.

Correct.
What brand of feed do you use?
What is the name of it?

 

[Folly's place]

I feed Purina Flock Raiser to everyone, with separate oyster shell. Easy!
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you do want to switch to layer for whatever reason (I use layer pellets for convenience) I would do it after they have all started laying. In the interim stay with grower/all flock and have oyster shell on side for the birds that start laying earlier.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

Correct.
What brand of feed do you use?
What is the name of it?

I use Purina non medicated start and grow.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

If you do want to switch to layer for whatever reason (I use layer pellets for convenience) I would do it after they have all started laying. In the interim stay with grower/all flock and have oyster shell on side for the birds that start laying earlier.

Thank you. That is what I will do. Our feed store did not sell just grower, so I stuck with the start and grow, non medicated.

 

[jp57]

I feed layer feed to mine. They free range as well. I can't get them to touch the oyster shell. Is that because they are getting enough nutrients free ranging? They all are laying fine and my 50lb bag of oyster shell is just collecting dust.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I feed layer feed to mine. They free range as well. I can't get them to touch the oyster shell. Is that because they are getting enough nutrients free ranging? They all are laying fine and my 50lb bag of oyster shell is just collecting dust.

The layer feed has Calcium in it. So unless you give them lots of treats, you may have that 50# bag of Oyster Shells last into the next millennium.
Foraging vegetation can get them some calcium too. GC