When to start on layer pellets.

[pharrison4659]

I have 12 hens that are 15/16 weeks old. When can they start laying pellets safely? I also have 3 adult silkies who have had layer pellets, but switched them back to a feed the whole flock can enjoy for now that they are together.

 

[DobieLover]

They don't need layer feed. They will do great staying on a higher protein complete feed with calcium supplementation on the side.
You can put out oyster shell now if you want.

 

[swamphiker]

As long as you are providing oyster shells for your layers, it doesn't matter that everyone is on all-flock feed. I switched mine once they were all laying.

 

[aart]

but switched them back to a feed the whole flock can enjoy for now that they are together.

That's fine, just provide oyster shell for the active layers.

 

[ToniaM]

Mine are 19wks and none are laying yet but will be mixed soon with a couple of my sons hens that are laying. So, if I understand correctly I can just feed them all flock feed with oyster shell on the side from here on out?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have 12 hens that are 15/16 weeks old. When can they start laying pellets safely?

I would wait till one of each breed is laying.
That said, my recent Flock of 5 ISA Browns had a gap of 5 weeks between first to lay and last.
My 7 Barred Rocks were 3 weeks apart..
I now feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or All-Flock crumble 18 to 20% Protein year round with Oyster Shells separately since 2017.

I have two coops and keep separate flocks, pullets and hens.

I offer Oyster Shells separately after 15 weeks old.
Pullets will take as needed.

GC

 

[drinkoj]

If you're determined to feed layer feed, I'd personally just feed all flock and oyster shell on the side until all the pullets start laying and then switch to layer feed.

 

[aart]

what if the newbies get to the oyster shells you're providing for the layers? How do you keep them from getting to it?

They won't eat much, if any, and it won't hurt them.

 

[SulkyBantam]

Simple... when they start to lay.

 

[Bird_Lover_17]

Will pullets intake more oysters shells as needed by nature than roos if I give them regular chicken feed? Or just go with layer feed and and roos are fine with it?

I give my roos layer feed