When will these two lay?

[AnnieSantiago]

Unmedicated starter. Layer feed is for actively laying birds only. And starting it too soon can actually slow down development significantly. It doesn't have enough protein for them to finish their juvenile molts and develop their egg production systems.

Well, it would probably be difficult to separate them to feed them differently from the others, but I might give that a try.

 

[junebuggena]

Just give everybody the starter and set out some crushed oyster shell for those that need it.

 

[junebuggena]

Contrary to what many think, layer feed is not an absolute requirement.

 

[barred2rock]

Well, it would probably be difficult to separate them to feed them differently from the others, but I might give that a try.

A starter/grower or an all flock with oyster shells free choice will be fine for everyone.

 

[rjohns39]

Typically, starter and grower have about 25 pounds of calcium per ton. Layer 100 pounds per ton. That said you can have everyone on a grower and oyster shell to supplement calcium.

 

[AnnieSantiago]

Typically, starter and grower have about 25 pounds of calcium per ton. Layer 100 pounds per ton. That said you can have everyone on a grower and oyster shell to supplement calcium.

Thanks. I will try it when I get paid.
In the meantime, I'll feed them boiled eggs and whatever other high protein foods I have around.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Feeding them layer is not the problem. They will lay when ready. I have 13 pullets, Partridge Rock, Australorp & EEs & one started laying on the day she turned 20 weeks & now at 21 weeks have at least 7 laying. They have been on layer feed since 18 weeks. Some of mine always lay by 20 weeks, but I thought I jinxed myself this time by starting to feed a little scratch at 14 weeks & giving a lot of produce from the garden. Even though we are always anxious for eggs, it is better for them not to lay too young. They can redden up in a short period of time. Good luck.

 

[AnnieSantiago]

Feeding them layer is not the problem. They will lay when ready. I have 13 pullets, Partridge Rock, Australorp & EEs & one started laying on the day she turned 20 weeks & now at 21 weeks have at least 7 laying. They have been on layer feed since 18 weeks. Some of mine always lay by 20 weeks, but I thought I jinxed myself this time by starting to feed a little scratch at 14 weeks & giving a lot of produce from the garden. Even though we are always anxious for eggs, it is better for them not to lay too young. They can redden up in a short period of time. Good luck.

I do give them a few handfuls of scratch each night and I do give them garden produce. Should I not be doing that?

 

[andreanar]

I can speak about the Dottes, Ive had them. MIne laid around their 26th week. Mine also had much more red in their faces and their combs and wattles were plump. Yours looks to be about a month away still.

 

[junebuggena]

I do give them a few handfuls of scratch each night and I do give them garden produce. Should I not be doing that?

Another reason why I prefer a higher protein feed. Helps balance out any lower protein extras like veggies and scratch. Layer feed is formulated to be the only thing fed. And the 16% protein content allows for very little wiggle room, in terms of treats.

Feeding them layer is not the problem. They will lay when ready. I have 13 pullets, Partridge Rock, Australorp & EEs & one started laying on the day she turned 20 weeks & now at 21 weeks have at least 7 laying. They have been on layer feed since 18 weeks. Some of mine always lay by 20 weeks, but I thought I jinxed myself this time by starting to feed a little scratch at 14 weeks & giving a lot of produce from the garden. Even though we are always anxious for eggs, it is better for them not to lay too young. They can redden up in a short period of time. Good luck.

It's my experience that some breeds need more protein to mature than others. Easter Eggers, in particular, do best on a feed with at least 18% protein.