When to switch feed - 14 weeks

[NewChickmom2016]

Hello-
I am a new chicken owner- our 3 girls will be 14 weeks on Wednesday. I have about a week's worth of starter-grower food left. My question is- what food should I buy now? I'm thinking it is too soon to switch to layer. My options are to buy bulk starter-grower to get us through the next few weeks- is until they are 18 weeks correct? Or to switch to layer now.
Also- when you do switch do you do it slowly like you do with dogs? 1/4 new, 3/4 old; 1/2 and 1/2; 3/4 and 1/4?
thanks for any info!
-Jerie

 

[QueenMisha]

14 weeks is a bit young for layer. While you can switch them to layer as early as 16 weeks, it really doesn't hurt them to be on grower until 18-20 weeks or even later. And no, it doesn't need to be gradual; you can switch straight over.

 

[NewChickmom2016]

Thanks Queen Misha-
That's pretty much what I was thinking- will get some bulk to get us through. And thanks for the answer on whether I would need to switch gradually!
-Jerie

 

[thatdenicechic]

Glad to see this question...I was wondering the same about how to transition...I just had this image of my two girls wondering what the heck was in their feeder!!

 

[junebuggena]

This time of year, the shortening days can really slow down the rate of development. Keeping them on grower is the best choice. It could be a few more months till they start laying.