When will my chickens start laying and when can i switch their food?

[laylerschicks]

I have a new, small backyard flock that is almost 15 weeks old, and I am wondering how long till they start laying? I've heard 16-18 weeks, but I've also heard 20-26 weeks old and I'm trying to figure out what is fact. I am also wanting to switch their feed over from Purina Flock Raiser to either layer pellets or something else MUCH cheaper. Any tips?

 

[Tookie]

What breeds do you have?
You can switch to layer feed once most of them start laying.

 

[Brooks_]

I am also wanting to switch their feed over from Purina Flock Raiser to either layer pellets or something else MUCH cheaper. Any tips

Dumor 20% starter. Good nutrition and a lower price. Oyster shell on the side for when they lay.

 

[laylerschicks]

Dumor 20% starter. Good nutrition and a lower price. Oyster shell on the side for when they lay.

Thank you!

 

[laylerschicks]

What breeds do you have?
You can switch to layer feed once most of them start laying.

I have 2 barnyard mixes, a production red, a silkie, a barred rock, a orpington and a few other breeds

 

[Mrs. K]

How much are you feeding, and how much is going to waste? Chickens can be pretty wasteful if you are not careful. They spill a lot of feed, and if feed is always present, they won't clean it up. If your feed bill is getting to be a bit much, a careful look at wasted feed can help.

Personally I only feed enough for the day, and sometimes I don't feed until things are cleaned up. When I first started, I was careless, and there started to be an odor, and it was just wasted feed spoiling.

Worth a look,

 

[laylerschicks]

How much are you feeding, and how much is going to waste? Chickens can be pretty wasteful if you are not careful. They spill a lot of feed, and if feed is always present, they won't clean it up. If your feed bill is getting to be a bit much, a careful look at wasted feed can help.

Personally I only feed enough for the day, and sometimes I don't feed until things are cleaned up. When I first started, I was careless, and there started to be an odor, and it was just wasted feed spoiling.

Worth a look,

i try and make sure they only get however much feed they can finish but it varies everyday

 

[Mrs. K]

I have found that out too. I have had them for decades. It really varies quite a bit daily. I just mentioned it, because it is common to over feed in the beginning.