Young pullets & New flock raiser!

[SliceOHeaven]

I'm sure this has been asked hundreds of times: My flock of pullets are 18 weeks. Of course I'm like
and expectant grandmother waiting breathlessly for the first egg. At this point, I feed the "start to finish" crumbles,
some scratch and just introduced layer pellets. They seem to be waiting however for the treats.. pumpkins, pomegranates,
and zucchini I offer daily. They don't finish any of the "grain" feed. Are they getting enough nutrients to lay? Will they be
slowed down by the shortened days and cooler weather? Am I over feeding? YIKES!

 

[cgmccary]

The shortened days (sunlight) will slow them up, yes.

Not the cooler weather.

Yes, enough nutrients to lay.

Once all are laying, then feed a layer ration or even better, offer crushed oyster shell as free choice.

 

[SliceOHeaven]

Thanks! So, in general, if they begin laying at around 20 weeks, (so I've heard)... then it might take an extra month or so?
What can I expect, all else being sufficient?
Shelley in Nor. Calif.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: I'd say 26 weeks is more realistic, and I wouldn't feed them layer pellets before the first eggs
Flock raiser is fine as a layer feed if you just add Oster Shell

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

You are doing fine. Let them eat their feed free-choice instead of limiting it as you would a dog or cat. Be careful how many treats you give them--they only eat about 1/3 lb. a day of feed, so if they gorge on pumpkin they'll throw their nutrient balance out of whack. Scratch is pretty much the same as a candy bar to chickens, nutritionally--be careful how much you feed.

I agree, don't feed layer ration until you see that first egg. Then, switch everyone over. You can also feed flock raiser with oyster shell fed free-choice. More protein will increase the size of your eggs, so that's a choice for you to make.

 

[SliceOHeaven]

Wow..all of that is great info. I think I've been over feeding the fruits and veggies..Thanks..and like everyone else.. I'll just be patient!!
Shelley in Herald CA