When to switch from growers to layers pellets

[albodean]

Hi All,

My 3 Light Sussex hens are all aged between 18 and 20 weeks. I am currently feeding them growers pellets. None have yet started laying and not sure whether they will start before next spring as we are almost in winter.

Should I wait before they start laying before introducing the layers pellets or should I start when they reach a certain age?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Alex

 

[redsoxs]

Here is a link to some old threads that discuss that very question. https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=When+to+give+layer
Happy reading!

 

[GC-Raptor]

Yeah I would wait, put out oyster shell on the side and continue to feed till gone. Switch to non medicated start & grow till they lay.
You may not get eggs till spring in the northern hemisphere. GC

 

[junebuggena]

You don't actually ever have to feed layer pellets. It is only for actively laying birds. And if you free range or like to give your girls lots of treats, a higher protein feed like grower is a much better choice. Just keep some oyster shell out for them.

 

[albodean]

Here is a link to some old threads that discuss that very question. https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=When+to+give+layer
Happy reading!

Thanks for this, I'll have a read through.

Yeah I would wait, put out oyster shell on the side and continue to feed till gone. Switch to non medicated start & grow till they lay.
You may not get eggs till spring in the northern hemisphere. GC

Thank you. There is oyster shell included in the grit I put out for them but to be honest, I've never really seen them touch it.

You don't actually ever have to feed layer pellets. It is only for actively laying birds. And if you free range or like to give your girls lots of treats, a higher protein feed like grower is a much better choice. Just keep some oyster shell out for them. 

Thank you. They only free range for around 2 hours a day while I am in the field with them. I'm abit wary of letting them free range all of the time as the local farmers keep cats to deal with rats etc. and there is also a fox that has been known to come out during the day. Most of the time they are in a secure run on a section of the field around 175 sq ft so not sure if this counts as free ranging?

 

[junebuggena]

If you do choose to feed layer, once they are laying, you have to be careful about any extras you give them. This includes foraging time outside of the run. Layer feed is usually only about 16% protein. It's barely enough to support egg production. Treats and extras water down that protein content and you end up with birds that can become protein deficient. That's when you run into feather picking and egg eating problems. If you are fine with strictly limiting any extras to only about 10% of the total daily intake, go ahead and feed layer. If you want to spoil and pamper your flock a bit more, stick with a higher protein feed like grower to offset any lower protein treats.

 

[clearwaterchick]

If you do choose to feed layer, once they are laying, you have to be careful about any extras you give them. This includes foraging time outside of the run. Layer feed is usually only about 16% protein. It's barely enough to support egg production. Treats and extras water down that protein content and you end up with birds that can become protein deficient. That's when you run into feather picking and egg eating problems. If you are fine with strictly limiting any extras to only about 10% of the total daily intake, go ahead and feed layer. If you want to spoil and pamper your flock a bit more, stick with a higher protein feed like grower to offset any lower protein treats.

this was very helpful thank you! I've been very confused about the difference between feeding layer, grower with oyster shell offered, and then giving treats like scratch, and table scraps!

 

[albodean]

If you do choose to feed layer, once they are laying, you have to be careful about any extras you give them. This includes foraging time outside of the run. Layer feed is usually only about 16% protein. It's barely enough to support egg production. Treats and extras water down that protein content and you end up with birds that can become protein deficient. That's when you run into feather picking and egg eating problems. If you are fine with strictly limiting any extras to only about 10% of the total daily intake, go ahead and feed layer. If you want to spoil and pamper your flock a bit more, stick with a higher protein feed like grower to offset any lower protein treats.

Thanks a lot for this. This may be a dumb question, but why do people feed their hens layers pellets if growers pellets are better for them?

 

[Pork Pie]

Not sure that I agree with some of the comments about layers feed. However, a lot of members provide growers and optional oyster shell as this allows them to rear flocks of multiple ages (and genders) without having to divide parts of the flock into those that are egg-laying, and those that are not. Kinda "one feed fits all" idea.

 

[chickens really]

I agree with CT Ken......
This is how I feed all My Birds from 18 weeks till a year old...Works for me..I never have sick birds from a nutritional stand point...

I feed Grower crumble/Layer pellets at a 50/50 ratio with oyster shell and granite grit in a separate bowl....Treats at 5% of daily ration which means about a tablespoon each a day....I feed treats to my Birds once or twice a week....I feed the grower to add more protein so I do not get feather pecking or eating....

Cheers!