When to start layer feed?

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

I just started giving my 10 pullets layer. They are 10 and a half weeks old. 2 are ISA brown the other 8 are Wyondottes silver and gold. So is giving them layer, okay? And if not when do I gjve it to them? Also when do I give them oaster shells?

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Anyone?

 

[nchls school]

Most breeds do not start laying before six months. At 10-12 weeks they are still growing and need a diet to match. Personally, I start with layer early, but I also feed to the growth need too and as I see combs getting bigger and redder I feed more layer and less other.

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Here are pics

 

[nchls school]

Still quite small-need growing mash or the equivilent.

 

[GC-Raptor]

My 5 ISA Browns are 12 weeks old and still on a Starter-Grower feed 18%.

If I was gonna switch to a Layers feed I wouldn't start till 16 weeks and it would be a 50/50 mix of Starter-Grower and Layers for 2 weeks, till 18 weeks.
I won't feed a layers feed to my Pullets, I don't even feed layers feed to my Hens 23 months old.

They get a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower feed 18% with Oyster Shells separately.

GC

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Ok thanks I was also wondering hkw big shoukd they be they are quite small

 

[rosemarythyme]

Bag directions for layer usually say 16-18 weeks. I don't start with layer until they're actually laying, which is usually 24+ weeks for me. At that point I offer both layer and fermented grower, for a little higher protein level, and to reduce the calcium as I have older birds who lay infrequently.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

My youngest flock of pullets will be 5 months old August 8th and I currently still have them on a start/grower since they arent laying. So I wouldn’t give them layer unless they’re laying.

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Ok thanks