When to switch feed?

[mamarock]

I have 8 hens/2 roos that are about 15 wks old. They're on an organic diet and free range. At what point to I put them onto laying feed? The bag of organic chick feed says to keep them on until about 20-24 wks, just wondering if that's right?

 

[cooped up]

I was at the same point as you are with the same thought. I went with one more bag of chick food then switched to layer feed at 19 weeks when the chick food ran out. The chickens seem fine and 1 week later I have my first egg from my austalorps. { only four pullets left now}

 

[Fred's Hens]

20-24 weeks is AVERAGE for beginning to lay, thus the recommendation on the bag. Frankly, that is quite accurate. Many birds fed organic reach point of lay a week or two later anyhow.

However, some, faster maturing breeds start laying at 17 or 18 weeks, although this too varies by individuals. Not everyone starts the same day.

So, depending on what you want to do, follow the recommendation on the feed back (which I would) or start them on layer a bit early. I assume you're getting ready to buy another bag of feed? Just remember that Layer is nothing more than regular feed, with calcium ground right in, something you can easily accomplish with oyster shells offered on the side.

 

[firestrike09]

Its correct.

 

[Red Barn Farms]

First you should follow what the mfg. of the food recommends. It also depends on the breed of chickens you have. Some breeds start laying earlier and some later. One idea is if you still have the left over grower feed you can begin to mix it with the layer so it's not wasted. I would begin by mixing 2 lbs of grower feed with a a couple pounds of layer to help them get used to the new food. Sound right?