When to switch to layer feed?

[ChickenMamaC]

My ladies are 16 weeks today. I’m going to open access to their nesting boxes next week and put in some fake eggs, but I know it might be a while, especially since the days are getting shorter and shorter.
Should I start them on layer feed soon, or wait until someone lays an egg? I understand Brahmas take longer to lay? I have three (out of 7) and I don’t want to feed them layer feed if it’s too soon.

Thoughts?

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

You don’t HAVE to feed them layer ever......it’s a personal preference. Layer has less protein and extra calcium. Grower or Flock raiser are excellent, protein rich feeds that is perfect for all chickens of all genders and ages. You need to provide oyster shell at around 17 weeks to prepare for them for laying. Oyster shell is essential throughout their adult life. Good luck with your flock! I hope you will soon find fresh eggs in your nesting boxes!

 

[snow5164]

I’d start it now , I’m pro layerfeed .

I’ve tried grower with calcium on the side , I get better egg production with layer .

My chicken breeder friend feeds one bag grower then layer to all her birds for 40 years ... no problems .

 

[Clousic Chicks]

I have a mixed flock of chickens and ducks. The hens are almost 16 weeks; ducks 12 weeks. I'm going to keep them on All-Flock and add crushed, baked eggshells to the hens' feed (they get fed in their coop--clean food, clean water); I also have oyster shell out them now. They LOVE kale, so I give them kale on a regular basis. Keeping my fingers crossed. I used layer feed on my last flock of just hens and had great eggs!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I’d start it now , I’m pro layerfeed .

I’ve tried grower with calcium on the side , I get better egg production with layer .

My chicken breeder friend feeds one bag grower then layer to all her birds for 40 years ... no problems .

Same here..... I just don't trust that regular feed with oyster shells on the side because you just can't be sure they are actually eating their shells or not whereas with a layer feed everything's in it already. And it just makes things easier plus save you money as well, just makes sense to me.

 

[Capoken]

I started to mix layer feed into the grower feed around 16 weeks, and had them completely transitioned by about 17 weeks. They started laying at 20 weeks and I had no "shellless" or "softshelled" or any other weird early eggs. They have been perfect, but small of course, since the very first egg. I use Natures Best organic crumble, but intend to switch to the pellet version. I do not give them any oyster shells.