When will my hens start laying and should I switch their feed?

[ChickMT]

I have 5 Hens that hatched in August 1st and am starting to wonder when I should expect them to start laying? I live in Montana and am not supplementing light. I don't think we are expected to start getting 12 hours of daylight until April . Also, should I wait to switch them to layer feed until they are all laying eggs, or should I start sooner? Thanks from a first time chicken mom .

 

[nuthatched]

At 20 ish weeks old and with increasing daylight, I would expect them to lay mid February or later.
You can start feeding layer now, there are a few higher protein layers (18%+) that are good.:]

 

[Tookie]

Welcome to BYC!
What breeds are your girls?

 

[ChickMT]

Welcome to BYC!
What breeds are your girls?

Thank you! I have 2 easter egger, 1 buff orpington and 2 welsummer

 

[Tookie]

Thank you! I have 2 easter egger, 1 buff orpington and 2 welsummer

They've got a couple more weeks to go before laying.
You'll know when they're close when their comb and wattles start reddening up, you can also do a pelvic bone check, here's an article on that.->
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[ChickMT]

At 20 ish weeks old and with increasing daylight, I would expect them to lay mid February or later.
You can start feeding layer now, there are a few higher protein layers (18%+) that are good.:]

Thank you! I am currently feeding them scratch and peck grower feed. They have an 18% layer feed and a 16% layer feed. Any reason why you recommend 18%?

 

[ChickMT]

They've got a couple more weeks to go before laying.
You'll know when they're close when their comb and wattles start reddening up, you can also do a pelvic bone check, here's an article on that.->
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Thank you for the article, super interesting! My buff's comb and wattle are nice a red, so hopefully soon .

 

[rosemarythyme]

Most birds do better overall with more protein - 16% is about the bare minimum any chicken should have.

Note that you don't have to switch to layer. A lot of folks on here feed all flock or grower for life, supplementing calcium on the side. If you have cockerels, or birds not laying due to age, molting, etc. the extra calcium may cause organ damage over an extended period of time. If you have all active laying hens however, the extra calcium should get used up for eggshells.

 

[nuthatched]

Thank you! I am currently feeding them scratch and peck grower feed. They have an 18% layer feed and a 16% layer feed. Any reason why you recommend 18%?

16% is the bare minimum of protein they need, 18% is better.
Is the scratch n peck the whole grain or the pelleted? Try not to feed the whole grain type, they tend to pick and choose and end up nutrition deficit. You're doing great!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is the scratch n peck the whole grain or the pelleted? Try not to feed the whole grain type, they tend to pick and choose and end up nutrition deficit.

Just wanted to add if you are feeding whole grain mash feed, best to ferment or at the very least wet it, to ensure the birds are eating everything including the powdery fines that tend to get left behind. It'll help them get all the nutrition in the feed, and reduce feed waste as well.