When to switch to layer feed

[Mamatomany123]

My girls will be 16 weeks on Wednesday. No one is laying yet but I think it's getting close?(first time owning chickens). I have 5 production blues and 2 easter eggers. From my research, production blues can lay as early as 16 weeks ( but I do know it's probably rare that early). Right now they're in chick starter/grower. When do I switch to layer feed. Do I wait until I see that first egg? They free range also. Also, when should I introduce oyster shell?is it ok to start setting some out now? Sorry for all of the questions. Just want to do it right for them.

 

[Gallinarium]

It varies when you should switch to layer, check the packaging. Remember to do it gradually. Offer calcium when they're expected to start laying. You can set it out now, if you want. I just would refrain from mixing it with the feed yet, as some do.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

McMurray hatchery recommends you start providing Oyster Shell free choice as soon as your girls start laying. Blog at McMurray's Hatchery

The swap from grower to layer should happen with the first egg too. Not all at once, mix it up so they acclimate. Chances are, all your birds won't start laying at once anyways. But if you are at 16 weeks with the potential of "early eggers", its time to have those things on hand.

/edit: Or so I've read. LOTS of reading. Its my first year as well, and you are about 7 weeks ahead of my eldest birds.

 

[Mamatomany123]

It varies when you should switch to layer, check the packaging. Remember to do it gradually. Offer calcium when they're expected to start laying. You can set it out now, if you want. I just would refrain from mixing it with the feed yet, as some do.

I was planning on having the shells in a separate dish. Do I check the packaging on the chick feed I'm giving them or the layer feed I plan to get. And I guess that's another question, is there a best type of layer feed to give or just preference?

 

[Mamatomany123]

McMurray hatchery recommends you start providing Oyster Shell free choice as soon as your girls start laying. Blog at McMurray's Hatchery

Ok, so I'll wait until I see that first egg. The waiting is the hardest.

 

[WallyG74]

You don’t have to have perfect timing. The chickens won’t get mad. I’d wait for the first egg. Also layer feed has extra calcium so oyster shell really isn’t necessary at all.

 

[Gallinarium]

I was planning on having the shells in a separate dish. Do I check the packaging on the chick feed I'm giving them or the layer feed I plan to get. And I guess that's another question, is there a best type of layer feed to give or just preference?

Check both. If they don't match up, follow the instructions on the layer. You can kind of use any food, but quality varies.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Ok, so I'll wait until I see that first egg. The waiting is the hardest.

The waiting is, indeed, the hardest.

 

[Mamatomany123]

You don’t have to have perfect timing. The chickens won’t get mad. I’d wait for the first egg. Also layer feed has extra calcium so oyster shell really isn’t necessary at all.

I've always read to have it available. The chickens will eat it if they need it.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Check both. If they don't match up, follow the instructions on the layer. You can kind of use any food, but quality varies.

Ok. I've had them on dumor brand since the beginning. Maybe I'll just continue that route and see how they do.