When to start layer feed?

[HeatherTheMommy]

I have 12 hens. I believe 9 of the 12 are now laying. They are about 22 weeks old. My silkie, easter egger and my dominique arent laying yet. I need to buy feed this week. Should I buy layer feed or continue with starter feed? They do have oyster shells in a seperate dish for calcium.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have 12 hens. I believe 9 of the 12 are now laying. They are about 22 weeks old. My silkie, easter egger and my dominique arent laying yet. I need to buy feed this week. Should I buy layer feed or continue with starter feed? They do have oyster shells in a seperate dish for calcium.

*If* you want to use layer feed there is no reason not to start it now - alternatively, you can feed grower/all-flock type feeds from here to eternity provided you continue providing the oyster shell as you already are. I like Plan B because I have a mixed flock and layer ration is not always a good choice for every bird in my coop, using a feed that is safe for everyone and giving OS on the side simplifies my life.

 

[donrae]

*If* you want to use layer feed there is no reason not to start it now - alternatively, you can feed grower/all-flock type feeds from here to eternity provided you continue providing the oyster shell as you already are. I like Plan B because I have a mixed flock and layer ration is not always a good choice for every bird in my coop, using a feed that is safe for everyone and giving OS on the side simplifies my life.

x2. If you have all hens of the same age, you can start now. Or use Plan B above indefinitely.

 

[HeatherTheMommy]

They are all around the same age

 

[barneveldrerman]

You could buy layer food but it would continue grower feed with oyster shells on the side. When they get older you can switch or just stay on grower feed with oyster shells on the side.