A few Questions about switching over...

[ThunderStruck]

Ok, I was reading Aimees thread in the general section, but didnt want to hijack her thread. My ladies are 16 1/2 - 17 wks old now and my question is....would it be all right to make the switch from starter to layer now, or wait till they are 18 wks? And when i do make it should it be done over a period of a week or so or all at once? Also, oyster shell after first egg...correct? THANKS!

 

[kstaven]

If they are hybrids I would start switching them now. If they are pure blood then they can go up to 24 weeks on starter. At 16 weeks I usually start adding 25% layer diet and give grit free choice. Week 17 50% week 18 75% week 19 100%. Some just do a straight swap to layer. Some wait until they hit week 20 or even later. Opinions and ways very from person to person.

Correct on the oyster shell.

 

[allen wranch]

If you are about to run out of baby food, I wouldn't buy more at this point. Mix what you have with the layer food. Use the ratio kstaven suggested or just 50/50. It depends on what you have.

 

[ThunderStruck]

Thanks guys! We only have the 4 Pullets, A buff orp, A Barred rock. & 2 RIR's. I did the switch a couple of days ago. abt 50/50 or so. They are ones we that we got from the feed store. Kind of a side question here....Does it really matter what protein percentage the layer is? I Have seen it anywhere from 15% to 18% protein. We bought the 18%...Thanks again

 

[allen wranch]

Go with the higher protein.