When to switch to layer feed?

[Henriettamom919]

I've got to do my co-op run this week for chicken chow and I'm wondering if I should get another 40lb grower or a 25lb. My three older are laying and so I can switch over to their feed when the time comes. My layers began laying at 18 weeks but I got them at that age and I'm not sure how far in advance you begin preparing the littles for the increase in calcium they'll need to make eggs.

My babies will be 11-12 weeks this week so I'm thinking a month's worth of grower this time?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Shadrach]

I've got to do my co-op run this week for chicken chow and I'm wondering if I should get another 40lb grower or a 25lb. My three older are laying and so I can switch over to their feed when the time comes. My layers began laying at 18 weeks but I got them at that age and I'm not sure how far in advance you begin preparing the littles for the increase in calcium they'll need to make eggs.

My babies will be 11-12 weeks this week so I'm thinking a month's worth of grower this time?

Thanks in advance!

Lots of people, including me, use an all flock type feed (protein 18% Calcium 1%) and provide a calcium supplement such as oyster shell. This does give you more flexibility when dealing with a mixed flock in both age and sex and for hens over 2 years old who are starting to lay less eggs per season and have a winter break, some health benefits.
Layers feed was developed for high production hens who were not expected to live much past two years old.

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x ... I do Medicated Starter for the first month, switch to Flock Raiser (20%) when it's over with. Add a separate dish of Oyster Shells when they start laying. Never had any issue with shells nor eggs. No more "age" feeding for me

 

[GC-Raptor]

My first Flock, I started to switch over to a Layers feed after they started to squat, and their combs were red and swollen. For my Golden Comets that was about 15 weeks, (they are known to be early layers).
I started to mix the Layers feed with the Start & Grow feed, 50/50 at 16 weeks. I did that for two weeks then I just added Layers feed to the feeder.
My Golden Comets started to lay at 16 1/2 weeks, all were laying by 19 weeks. They are 38 months old now. .
I also switched to a Pellet feed. I got them interested in the pellets by mixing it into their Scratch Grains and Scattered on dry ground.
My second Flock of Barred Rocks are 9 months old. They started to lay at 20 weeks and all were laying by 23 weeks. 4 weeks later than my Comets.
They have never had a Layers feed. I fed them a Medicated Start and Grow 18% for 10 weeks then after the bag was empty, I switched to a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18%.
They are currently on a All-Flock/Flock Raiser feed 20%.
I feed all my Chickens a 18/20% Poultry feed with Oyster Shells separately. Eggs from my Barred Rocks, . The white eggs are fakes.
So for me, I get the same breed of day old Chicks, so they start to lay around the same time, within 3 weeks of one another. .
I don't know what breed of Chicken you have, but I would get 2 months of Starter Grower feed for 11/12 weeks old chicks. GC

 

[Henriettamom919]

@GC-Raptor Thank you so much for the detailed timeline! My adult 9 month olds are 2 barred rocks and a Buff Orp.

My chicks: Two Easter egger, one Rhode Island Red and one Blue Andalusian.

 

[GC-Raptor]

@GC-Raptor Thank you so much for the detailed timeline! My adult 9 month olds are 2 barred rocks and a Buff Orp.

My chicks: Two Easter egger, one Rhode Island Red and one Blue Andalusian.

From what I've read Easter Eggers start later than most, 23/26 weeks. RIR start around 18/20 weeks.
The Blue Andalusian, .
For my Barred Rocks (they have their own coop), I offered them Oyster Shells at 17 weeks of age. . GC

 

[Cluckingitup]

I just posted a similar question today! I had heard to switch to layer feed when first eggs came. My Blue Plymouth rocks laid 2 eggs so I switched. Now they haven't laid for 4 days. They are only 14 weeks so I thought they were early but they are my first so didn't really know. I am going to go back to grower food and provide OS. I also have rooster to consider. Also wasn't aware he shouldn't have too much calcium. (thought I was only getting females)

 

[Cryss]

Are you raising production egg layers for supermarkets? Layer feed is good for them because they are always the same age, do not include roosters wh dont need calcium, encouraged to lay through all 4 seasons, only live about 2 years, and are replaced with young same aged layers.
Raising backyard farm style ages are often mixed. No need for layer feed. Flock raiser works for all ages. Oyster shell left in a dispenser will not be eaten by roosters or young pullets so they are no danger to them. Layer feed is a danger to pullets and roosters.