When to switch feed from grower to layer?

[gardenrue7]

Hello, everyone!

New chicken owner here - we have four girls (two Easter Eggers, an Olive Egger, and a French Black Copper Maran) and all will be 21 weeks old tomorrow. No eggs yet from any of them.

We were at the feed store today, and the employee told us we should switch them to layer feed now because of their age. We feed the Purina Organic Starter/Grower, and the bag says to switch the chickens over at 18 weeks to a layer feed. However, I've read mixed opinions online about this. A lot of what I've read has said not to switch the chickens over until they're actually laying.

I'm hoping to gather some knowledge from more experienced owners on when to make this transition, and would appreciate any advice you have.

Thank you!

 

[Ecarroll]

Switch when they start laying

 

[skeeeter]

Hi! The switch to "Layer Feed" is recommended to cut costs.
As layer feed has less protein, it is cheaper.
There is really no other reason to switch. I feed all my fowl "grower feed".
When your hens start to lay, you can offer oystershells, free-choice, on the side.
Grower feed & oystershells is a more nutritious option than layer feed.
If you really feel like switching, wait til they've started laying.

 

[Yardmom]

You can add the oyster shells at anytime. The ones who need more calcium will take it when they need it.

 

[Ridgerunner]

We were at the feed store today, and the employee told us we should switch them to layer feed now because of their age. We feed the Purina Organic Starter/Grower, and the bag says to switch the chickens over at 18 weeks to a layer feed. However, I've read mixed opinions online about this. A lot of what I've read has said not to switch the chickens over until they're actually laying.

I'll give my opinion. Commercial egg laying operations with flocks of thousands control when their pullets start laying by manipulating lights and other tricks. That recommendation to start feeding Layer at 18 weeks is based on when they will start laying. That's mainly about the calcium in the feed, not other nutrients. Since they know when their pullets will start laying they know when to start Layer.

We do not manage our chickens the same way and we do not know when they will start laying. That makes it harder. For this reason a lot of people wait to start Layer until they see an egg. My preference would be to start it a bit earlier so they have the extra calcium for that first eggshell but I don't know how to do that.

I never feed Layer. If all they eat is Layer then they will get enough calcium for their eggshells. But if they get many low calcium treats or forage for a lot of their feed they will not eat enough Layer to get enough calcium from that source. Besides, I almost always have younger birds in the flock that don't need the higher calcium. So I feed a low calcium feed with the protein level I want and offer oyster shells on the side. This way the ones that need the calcium recognize that they need it and eat enough oyster shell while the ones that do not need the extra calcium do not eat enough oyster shell to harm themselves.

 

[K0k0shka]

I don't feed layer either, I don't like the forced amount of extra calcium. I usually have a mixed flock of laying and non-laying chickens (too young, too old, molting, sick, winter, etc.) so the flat ratio of extra calcium doesn't make sense for my flock. I feed everybody Purina Flock Raiser, which is a healthy 20% protein, and good for any age or gender of chicken, regardless of laying status. I provide an unlimited supply of calcium on the side (crushed eggshell) for whoever needs it, and that's it. I have chicks every year and don't have to think about who's eating what, they all eat the same and are doing great.

 

[saysfaa]

I don't feed layer because oyster shell is cheaper per pound than chicken feed is.

Also, the price is the same for chick starter as it is for layer where I get the feed and the chick feed is a little higher in protein. Still not as high as I would like but close enough that I use it except when they are molting.

 

[TooCheep]

I don't feed layer because oyster shell is cheaper per pound than chicken feed is.

Also, the price is the same for chick starter as it is for layer where I get the feed and the chick feed is a little higher in protein. Still not as high as I would like but close enough that I use it except when they are molting.

If you haven't already, you should consider using all-flock instead of chick feed. Performs the same basic function (higher protein, less calcium) and I use it even during molts. The only time I use chick feed is for actual chicks until they are large enough to eat the all-flock pellets.

 

[Kiki]

If you haven't already, you should consider using all-flock instead of chick feed. Performs the same basic function (higher protein, less calcium) and I use it even during molts. The only time I use chick feed is for actual chicks until they are large enough to eat the all-flock pellets.

I'd switch to a layer feed now...it's actually better to start them on the extra calcium before they start laying.



Most commercial brands of chick starter and their all flock feed are almost exactly the same.
I randomly chose brands to show you:

another:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1upDVFXEQPK8PUIF6Sj3Bt5CUQfX1PlTEhg799sDT-qM/edit?gid=0#gid=0

 

[saysfaa]

If you haven't already, you should consider using all-flock instead of chick feed. Performs the same basic function (higher protein, less calcium) and I use it even during molts. The only time I use chick feed is for actual chicks until they are large enough to eat the all-flock pellets.

My best all flock option is $23.47 for 50 pounds from Tractor Supply.

I paid less than $12 for $50 pounds of chick feed yesterday. It is fresher than the all flock option and supports local farmers better as the bulk ingredients are grown locally. This feed store makes only two poultry feeds- chick and layer.

I agree with offering calcium before they lay. Oyster shell on the side does that.