YOUR OPINION WANTED, PLEASE

[Chickaroo!]

So I started a post a couple of days ago that I was running out of chick food
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=80667

So I just bought a small bad of chick food and paid about the same price as I would have if I'd just bought a 50lb. bag. Well, I'm getting ready to go out of town for a week and the DH will be taking care of the chickens.

Here's what I need to know: if it were you, would you buy a 50lb. bag of chick food, knowing that alot may go to waste because they will soon be eating layer or would you just go ahead and feed layer?
Remember, they are only 18wks old and haven't layed yet.

 

[Break an Egg]

Either way, they can have both. I would provide oyster shell free choice, especially with the starter.

 

[cajunlizz]

I have a mixed flock and different ages . When my pullets were 16 weeks old , I switched to straight laying pellets and I also add grit . I also give plenty of treats

 

[hatchcrazzzy]

i would feed them the chick feed and mix laying pellets until all you chick food is gone

 

[Marlinchaser]

Get the big bag, you should mix layer and starter when they start laying, that way they will not be switched immeadiately to a new food.

 

[havi]

I started my pullets out on 16% layer feed when they were 17 weeks old. On the back of the Purina feed I have it says starting at 18 weeks old you can feed them the layer food. Going to all the different feed store around here and looking at all the feed I see that they pretty much all say start on layer feed at 18 weeks. But Im no expert, but I would say its fine to start feeding the layer food. I did and havent seen any problems with it yet.

 

[Chickaroo!]

Well, I went to TSC today and just got layer pellets. My big girls needed food anyway, so I figured all of them might as well just eat the same thing.

Thanks to all of those that put in your two cents!