Winter feed for pullets?

[AntiqueB]

I have 3 pullets (Easter Egger, Buff Orpington, and Speckled Sussex) that will be 18 weeks old on December 7th. According to the starter/grower I have them on, they are due to change to layer feed around that time. I am not planning on having artificial light in the coop, and I live in North NJ. Should I switch them to layer feed, even if I doubt they'll be laying eggs until spring? I never had chickens before, but I am thoroughly enjoying them! Thanks for any advice.

 

[DobieLover]

I have 3 pullets (Easter Egger, Buff Orpington, and Speckled Sussex) that will be 18 weeks old on December 7th. According to the starter/grower I have them on, they are due to change to layer feed around that time. I am not planning on having artificial light in the coop, and I live in North NJ. Should I switch them to layer feed, even if I doubt they'll be laying eggs until spring? I never had chickens before, but I am thoroughly enjoying them! Thanks for any advice.

Keep them on the Starter for life and just put out containers of oyster shell.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Yeah, I'd just provide a separate container of oyster shell.
They will be reaching point of lay on the shortest days of the year. I'd bet they don't start laying till January or by the first of February.

 

[ChickForLife]

I say give them the layer and see what happens, but I think @DobieLover and @ChickenCanoe know better than me.

 

[AntiqueB]

Thank you. I wasn't sure if all they really needed was the oyster shell.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they eat it, which most layers will, that is all they need.
Sometimes there is an issue but not often.
Once laying commences, they'll need more than the 1% calcium in most feeds to replace that which they are using building shells.

 

[AntiqueB]

Thank you for the advice!

 

[rayrose]

I'm a newbie also, but everything I read from the seed companies, is that you can't keep them on starter/grower for life. You have to switch them to either All Flock with separate oyster shell, or Layer Feed.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'm a newbie also, but everything I read from the seed companies, is that you can't keep them on starter/grower for life. You have to switch them to either All Flock with separate oyster shell, or Layer Feed.

I don't disagree with that advice. IMO, starter is a bit high in protein for fully grown birds.
That is a point of disagreement on this site where many opt for high protein for birds their entire lives.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I switch from chick starter to all flock with oyster shell on the side. Non laying birds do not need the extra calcium in the layer feed and it can cause some problems. The all flock has a higher protein content then layer feed and is good especially in winter when fresh bugs are not as plentiful to add a little extra protein.