When to switch over to Layer feed from Starter + Grower feed?

[lalydiafaith]

Hey guys!

So I have 16 and 1/2 week old Silkies and i have them on Southern states Starter + Grower feed, so I was wondering when is it a good time to switch over to the layer feed? I have done research and figured out everyone does it at different times. I only have maybe about 2-3 days left of the grower feed and I already bought the layer feed but I'm worried about if it's to early. Also, should I add stuff to the layer feed like oats, corn..... etc.? And I was wondering if they look small for their age?? Please let me know. Thanks everyone.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

First and foremost... these are probably the cutest chickens I have ever seen!!! You should switch them to layer ration at about 18 weeks, or when the first egg is laid... whichever one comes first!!

Good luck!
GORGEOUSSSS CHICKENSSS!

 

[BirdGirl2004]

First and foremost... these are probably the cutest chickens I have ever seen!!! You should switch them to layer ration at about 18 weeks, or when the first egg is laid... whichever one comes first!!

Good luck!
GORGEOUSSSS CHICKENSSS!

Also, they look like they are a perfect size! You shouldn't have to give them oats or anything, unless you want to add some for treats!

 

[Kiki]

I'd switch them now.
https://www.nap.edu/read/2114/chapter/4#25

 

[Kiki]

Are you sure they are all girls?
I am not familiar with this breed.

As far as feeding them "treats"...keep it very limited...once a week if that.
Feeding only a complete feed diet is better.
http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

 

[lalydiafaith]

First and foremost... these are probably the cutest chickens I have ever seen!!! You should switch them to layer ration at about 18 weeks, or when the first egg is laid... whichever one comes first!!

Good luck!
GORGEOUSSSS CHICKENSSS!

Thank you so much! They are very soft! lol Thank you for the feedback. I really appreciate it!

 

[lalydiafaith]

Are you sure they are all girls?
I am not familiar with this breed.

As far as feeding them "treats"...keep it very limited...once a week if that.
Feeding only a complete feed diet is better.
http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

They are silkies. I like them a lot so far. I'm waiting patiently for the first egg. I think i have 2 roosters and 4 hens. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Kiki]

They are silkies. I like them a lot so far. I'm waiting patiently for the first egg. I think i have 2 roosters and 4 hens. Thanks for the feedback!

I think you might have at least 3 males in this group..based on tail feathers but like I said above I'm not to confident in my silkie sexing skills.

 

[lalydiafaith]

I think you might have at least 3 males in this group..based on tail feathers but like I said above I'm not to confident in my silkie sexing skills.

I'm not very good at it either....:/ The only reason i think i have 2 roosters is because the 2 biggest ones out of the 6 chest bump and peck at each other. But I could be wrong.

 

[Kiki]

I'm not very good at it either....:/ The only reason i think i have 2 roosters is because the 2 biggest ones out of the 6 chest bump and peck at each other. But I could be wrong.

I think I am seeing very pointy and long curved tails on all three of these: