when to start layer feed?

[lolita117]

When I first was researching keeping birds I learned that you shouldn't feed layer to too young of bird. I know that one feed bag I used to buy recommended switching to layer at 18 weeks of age.

Say if you are starting out and all your babies reach 18 weeks and no one is laying I wouldn't start until 1/2 or more have started laying but provide oyster shell on the side. I have a very diverse flock of many ages. Some birds are over a year old, some are just starting to lay ~24 weeks of age, and a whole another group that are just 13 weeks. I've notice with my different groups coming into age that my birds (of several different breeds) all start laying around 22 weeks or more, not so much less.

Anyways, currently my whole flock is on start/grower crumbles and I feed oyster shell on the side. I plan to switch over to a layer feed around the end of November when my youngest group will be over 24 weeks and still offering oyster shell free choice of course. But I'm also considering just keeping the flock on the starter/grower throughout the winter and then switch over to layer in the spring. Last winter I had NO decrease in egg production what-so-ever (without supplying artificial light source), but figured for my 1+ year old birds that they may take a break this winter. If that is the case, I don't know if feeding layer would be the best choice for the non-layers. Anyways, hope my answer helped.

I've also had people tell me that I shouldn't be feeding my laying hens anything but layer, but I don't think they really understood that as long as you are supplying a calcium source that they will be alright.

 

[oldrooster]

When I first was researching keeping birds I learned that you shouldn't feed layer to too young of bird. I know that one feed bag I used to buy recommended switching to layer at 18 weeks of age.

Say if you are starting out and all your babies reach 18 weeks and no one is laying I wouldn't start until 1/2 or more have started laying but provide oyster shell on the side. I have a very diverse flock of many ages. Some birds are over a year old, some are just starting to lay ~24 weeks of age, and a whole another group that are just 13 weeks. I've notice with my different groups coming into age that my birds (of several different breeds) all start laying around 22 weeks or more, not so much less.

Anyways, currently my whole flock is on start/grower crumbles and I feed oyster shell on the side. I plan to switch over to a layer feed around the end of November when my youngest group will be over 24 weeks and still offering oyster shell free choice of course. But I'm also considering just keeping the flock on the starter/grower throughout the winter and then switch over to layer in the spring. Last winter I had NO decrease in egg production what-so-ever (without supplying artificial light source), but figured for my 1+ year old birds that they may take a break this winter. If that is the case, I don't know if feeding layer would be the best choice for the non-layers. Anyways, hope my answer helped.

I've also had people tell me that I shouldn't be feeding my laying hens anything but layer, but I don't think they really understood that as long as you are supplying a calcium source that they will be alright.

I have seen something in the local big box feed stores called something to the effect all flock feed so what is it and does it work in Lolita117's situation with additional oyster shell on the side

 

[Missa Chickabee]

When I first was researching keeping birds I learned that you shouldn't feed layer to too young of bird. I know that one feed bag I used to buy recommended switching to layer at 18 weeks of age.

Say if you are starting out and all your babies reach 18 weeks and no one is laying I wouldn't start until 1/2 or more have started laying but provide oyster shell on the side. I have a very diverse flock of many ages. Some birds are over a year old, some are just starting to lay ~24 weeks of age, and a whole another group that are just 13 weeks. I've notice with my different groups coming into age that my birds (of several different breeds) all start laying around 22 weeks or more, not so much less.

Anyways, currently my whole flock is on start/grower crumbles and I feed oyster shell on the side. I plan to switch over to a layer feed around the end of November when my youngest group will be over 24 weeks and still offering oyster shell free choice of course. But I'm also considering just keeping the flock on the starter/grower throughout the winter and then switch over to layer in the spring. Last winter I had NO decrease in egg production what-so-ever (without supplying artificial light source), but figured for my 1+ year old birds that they may take a break this winter. If that is the case, I don't know if feeding layer would be the best choice for the non-layers. Anyways, hope my answer helped.

I've also had people tell me that I shouldn't be feeding my laying hens anything but layer, but I don't think they really understood that as long as you are supplying a calcium source that they will be alright.

This is the kind of info I've been looking for. Thanks so much for taking the time post.....and also giving good rationale as to why you do it this way.
My birds are 18 weeks so I will take your cue and offer them the oyster shell from the shallow tuna tin nailed to the wall.

Is the full-grown bird sized oyster shell bits OK?
Is there one kind better than another?
Brand to recommend?
When it comes to layer feed, is there an advantage of crumbles over pellets (ie absorption) ...or vice-versa?

Thanks!

 

[lahowardjr]

I have only one hen old enough to lay right now but my pullets are only a month or so away. I've been feeding a cup of 16% layer feed with my scratch (1 to 4 ratio) so the pullets will have the calcium they need when they start. Layer feed costs a little more here so I believe its an economical way to suplement my laying hen's calcium needs. In 18 to 22 weeks I would start the layer feed if your not feeding it to some degree now.

 

[Fred's Hens]

When it comes to layer feed, is there an advantage of crumbles over pellets (ie absorption) ...or vice-versa?

Thanks!

No. Feed is feed and the formula is often identical, if made by the same maker. Mash, pellet or crumble. Those refer to the shape, not the content of the feed itself.

 

[Aquaman05]

Is it safe to eat the eggs if the hens start laying eggs and still eating medicated chick starter??

I wanted to leave my birds on this feed until I see my first egg

 

[Fred's Hens]

Well, Purina says it is safe. On their website, in the FAQ section. You can read their reply.

I choose not to feed amprolium any longer than 6-8 weeks, but I have read the literature and I have, what I think is, a pretty good grasp on how the amp works. It is merely a blocker. I'd not be concerned.

BTW, the reason I lay off the high protein feed from weeks 8 through 16 is to slow down these high wire layers. Too fast to POL isn't good. Now, if we're talking heritage fowl, that's a bit different. They have such huge frames and muscles that body building requires a higher protein content for them.

 

[CasieD]

The formulas for the different types of feed maybe the same, but I feel I have much less waste when I feed the pellets. There are a lot of fines left over with mash and crumbles so they aren't eating everything. This also gets around the chicken who likes to pick out certain parts of the mash/crumble and leave the rest behind. I think it will vary from flock to flock and then there's personal preference too.

 

[Fred's Hens]

The formulas for the different types of feed maybe the same, but I feel I have much less waste when I feed the pellets. There are a lot of fines left over with mash and crumbles so they aren't eating everything. This also gets around the chicken who likes to pick out certain parts of the mash/crumble and leave the rest behind. I think it will vary from flock to flock and then there's personal preference too.

What you can do with the "fines" or flour bits left at the bottom of the bag or feeder is to dump them out into a bucket, wet it a bit and make thick porridge. They'll gobble it up and this eliminates any waste.

But, for sheer convenience, and with no monetary consideration, pellets are indeed easy. I just cannot afford to buy pellets. Too many mouths to feed.

 

[Missa Chickabee]

Fred's Hens In Northern Mitten:
My 18 girls are approaching their 18th week. I know I should just read through this entire thread right now but........NO TIME!! (Sorry for not regarding yours more! (ie time)

)

I have had them on grower crumbles til now. .(yes, medicated with the Amprolium. Our soil is bad for coccidiosis and I've had two rounds of that thus far. I added a tuna can of oyster shell nailed to the wall as side dish yesterday. I want to see just how much of that they are taking.

Could you sum up what I should look for on the labels percentage-wise from here on in for these layers? (they haven't started laying yet) They love treats and just live to see me come out of the house.

What should I avoid? ( ie the edibles that interfere with creating a good layer)? Thanks, much F H for your time


PS. My medicated grower feed cost me $18 for a 50 # bag yesterday at our coop!!!!!! I want to go a mill. They charge $13 or 14 a bag for layer food at the mill, but I just don't know what to ask for. They'll custom mix for me for around $11 or 12 a bag if I buy 500 lbs at a time ( only 10 bags.....lots for me, though but I think I would do it )