When Can I Switch My Chickens To Layer Feed

Hello there! Raising chickens can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a big responsibility. If you want your chickens to produce lots of eggs for years to come, you need to make sure they’re receiving the proper diet. This is especially important when it comes time to switch from regular chicken feed (chick starter) over to layer feed—that special blend designed for hens that are about to start laying. In this article, we’ll explore how to know when it’s time for your flock to transition from chick starter to layer feed and why this change is so important.

It’s the question on the mind of many a backyard chicken keeper, and for good reason! Knowing when to switch your chicks fromstarter feed to laying feed will help you raise healthy birds that are happy and productive.

Knowing when to switch your chickens from starter feed to layer feed will help you raise healthy, happy birds that are productive and growing.

It’s the question on the mind of many a backyard chicken keeper, and for good reason! Knowing when to switch your chicks from starter feed to laying feed will help you raise healthy birds that are happy and productive. You want them on layer feed because then they’re getting exactly what they need to lay lots and lots of eggs each month.

There are three main things you need to consider when deciding when to start feeding laying feed to your pullets.

There are three main things you need to consider when deciding when to start feeding laying feed to your pullets.

• Age of Your Flock: Hand-raised chicks need a longer period of time before they are fully mature and ready for laying. Typically, this is somewhere between 12 and 14 weeks. You will have an idea if your flock has reached this point by observing their behavior and eating habits—chickens that eat well, are active, and begin crowing (if male) are ready for the next stage in their development. Birds that do not fit this description should be kept on starter feed until they do reach maturity, which may require up to another month.
• Breed of Your Flock: Different breeds of chickens grow at different rates; some types can start producing eggs within just a few weeks after being hatched! On average expect pullets from a standard breed like Rhode Island Red or Plymouth Rock to take about 10 weeks before starting laying eggs whereas fancy breeds such as Silkies tend take longer because they are bred specifically for their appearance rather than production qualities such as egg-laying ability or meatiness so keep this in mind when planning out your flock’s future diet depending on what kind of chicks you got from the hatchery today 😉

How old is your flock?

How old is your flock?

You should switch to layer feed as soon as possible if you have pullets over 18 weeks old and hens older than 18 weeks. That’s because by that time, their bodies are already beginning to change. The way in which they process protein, vitamins and minerals is changing from the metabolism of growing chicks into a completed adult chicken. This can cause problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food you’re giving them now. It also means that their internal organs have grown larger than those of younger chickens who still need more calories for growth (pullets).

What breed of chickens do you have?

The breed of chicken you have will determine how long it takes for them to reach laying age. Some breeds are more productive than others, and some are more prone to health issues. If you want your chickens to live a long time and produce lots of eggs, consider getting one of these breeds:

• Rhode Island Red
• Barred Plymouth Rock
• New Hampshire Red

If you purchased production red hybrid pullets at 18 weeks old, they will start laying eggs a few weeks after they arrive. In this case, it’s best to switch them over to layer feed right away. However, older hens (older than 18 weeks) generally don’t do well on starter feed and should be transitioned over to layer feed as soon as possible.

If you purchased production red hybrid pullets at 18 weeks old, they will start laying eggs a few weeks after they arrive. In this case, it’s best to switch them over to layer feed right away. However, older hens (older than 18 weeks) generally don’t do well on starter feed and should be transitioned over to layer feed as soon as possible.

When transitioning from starter to layer feed, keep in mind that the amount of protein in your hen’s diet has an effect on egg size: too much protein makes for large eggs and not enough makes for small ones. If you want your hens to lay large eggs with thick shells, then make sure they get plenty of protein in their diet!

How long has it been since you got your chicks?

If you got your chicks within the past week, it’s safe to feed them layer feed right away. They will be able to handle it.

If you got your chicks within the past two weeks, you can start feeding them layer feed in another week or two. You don’t want them to become too dependent on medicated starter feed and then have a hard time adjusting when they get older.

Remember, when you switch your chickens over to layer feed, it’s best to do so gradually. It takes time for the birds to adjust to the change in their diet. Start by mixing some layer feed with starter feed and then gradually increase the amount of layer feed until they are eating only laying mash. This will ensure that they don’t get any digestive upset from making a sudden switch. If you have questions about when or how much to switch over your flock from starter feed to laying feed, don’t hesitate to contact us! We love answering questions from experienced and new chicken keepers alike!