when to switch to layer

[wundernurse]

When should I switch to layer feed?? I have 7 pullets ranging in age from 12-15 weeks old- a BO, RIR, 3 EE and 2 SLW. They get grower feed right now ,and I'm not sure when to switch. Thanks

 

[emilyweck]

When they start laying. Sounds like quite a lovely flock you have!

 

[SoJoChickens]

Storey's recommends that you start mixing in layer ration at about 18 weeks and increasing the percentage gradually to full layer ration at about 20 weeks.

 

[wundernurse]

So if my RIR and BO start laying (they are the oldest), but the others haven't, should they all get layer or do grower with free choice oyster shell until they are all laying (which could be a while)?

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I know that some hens *can* start laying at 20 weeks or earlier, but most all of mine didn't start until 22-24 weeks. Your girls don't have that big of an age difference. The layer feed isn't supposed to be good for young pullets because the extra calcium isn't good for their kidneys. But if you started the layer feed when the oldest ones were 20 weeks old the younger ones should be able to handle it at 17 weeks. You could do the gradual introduction at that time to even better coddle the younger ones' digestion.

If the older ones begin laying earlier, perhaps you could separate them at night and give them a bowl of layer feed first thing in the morning before returning them to their flockmates.

 

[Mahlzeit]

I switch my birds over gradually at 18 weeks. It hasn't failed me yet.