Snowy Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 My new babies are 12 weeks old and still on growers pellets. At what age should I put them onto layers pellets? Just another gratuitous photo sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovemychooks Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 I put my babies on to layers pellets pretty early, I think they were roughly the same age as yours and they were, and are, fine. Someone else might know more than me.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 Haven't the faintest idea but just wanted to say what pretty chickens you have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hasnett Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 we bought a large bag of growers pellet with our 3 10 week old Bantams, the breeder said once we get near the bottom, of the bag (in about 8/9 weeks) mix the growers with the layers pellets to gradually wean them off.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom and Barbara Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 We were told by breeder that they should be put on layers when they start laying, otherwise it could potentially shorten their lives. Also, you shouldn't eat the eggs until they have been on layers for a week. Not sure how accurate this is, but it's what we were advised. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 17, 2007 Author Share Posted July 17, 2007 We were told by breeder that they should be put on layers when they start laying, otherwise it could potentially shorten their lives. Also, you shouldn't eat the eggs until they have been on layers for a week. Not sure how accurate this is, but it's what we were advised. Tom Oh my goodness, that's a bit radical! I wonder what the rationale for not eating the eggs is? Many thanks Tom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madchook Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 I think the reason is that layers is much higher in calcium and if they aren't using it then it can be somehow harmful -something to do with malformation of young bones? I seem to remember 16-18 weeks being recommended. I always thought excess dietry calcium could be excreted though - but I guess I will just go along with the general advice! I ended up starting my 2 on growers too early (6 weeks) so that is probably some terrible thing too! (it was that or purchase a 20kg sack of crumb for 2 weeks use!) GRRR! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madchook Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 Oh and the first week thing - would that only apply if you had your chickens on a growers containing antibiotic? I guess that is the withdrawal period - anpther reason why they should change before they start laying??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 we had our girls from 8 weeks. we started on crumb and didnt change to layers until we got our 1st egg which was about 20 or so weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 17, 2007 Author Share Posted July 17, 2007 Thanks all. I can certainly see the benefits of not changing to layers until the last possible minute (if that were possible) to allow them to get the most benefit from the growers formula and not stimulate laying too early. And having an egg withdrawal period would make sense if there were antibiotics in the feed. Mine hasn't as it is the same make as the organic layers pellets used by omlet. Useful stuff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
