Many of you may have bought some new chicks this year and are experiencing the rapid growth that these birds do in the first few months of their lives. They turn from the adorable little chicks into beautiful hens and may even begin laying eggs soon. While feeding a starter/grower has been the ideal feed up to this point, it’s time to make a decision on what layer feed you are planning to switch to once they reach that point.
The age old question: When to switch to the layer feed? While there are many opinions and methodologies to when to switch and why, we have a foolproof way to determine how to do that when your hen is fully ready to make that switch:
Switch to layer feed when the Hen starts laying.
Now some may argue that they could actually be ready prior to that but if you haven’t switched them they will start to lay later than possible. I hear that point but I want us to consider some other factors as well. If we were to push the hens to start laying sooner we may be able to get them laying a week or two earlier at most. In my opinion, that's not very significant and especially considering the potential downsides to feeding a bird the nutrient level needed by a hen too early. Chick starter and grower is typically higher in protein than layer feed so egg production is actually being supported by the chick starter/grower, as high protein increases egg production typically. Now hens can only handle so much protein in their kidneys without causing problems which is why they typically keep a more mild protein level when they are not supporting the rapid growth of a young chick.
Apart from protein, the calcium level is much too high for a bird who is not laying to consume regularly. The calcium is dispensed out of the bird's system in the egg and the egg shell. When this is not happening it goes to the kidneys and other organs and causes severe health problems to the major organs and can drastically reduce the lifespan of the hen. This is serious. Every bird is unique and matures at its own rate, so determining the readiness of the bird before the bird is laying any eggs can cause the bird to develop long term health problems for the benefit of a couple of eggs.
This is why we recommend to switch the birds once you see them start to lay since this means that they are ready to begin that switch to the feed. Switching the feed when the birds are laying is important and should be prompt. Just how the switching of food too early can be damaging, switching to late can deprive them of some necessary nutrients like calcium that they need badly. Their bodies will start to compensate and pull calcium from other reserves in the body to develop those egg shells and that can also be harmful to the chicken if you are not replenishing their calcium supply which is found in the layer feed. This is why switching once they are laying is a great way to hit that sweet spot to maximize your chickens health and needs!
Now that we know when and why to switch them, the last question you may have is, which layer feed should you switch to?
Here are some of the options we have! Snoco layer pellet is our most popular option here at the Co-op and for good reason! The 50 pound bag is less expensive than most every other option and the quality is among the best! It has high protein (18%) and over 3% calcium. This feed is milled locally up in Conway, WA and that allows us to keep it free of preservatives and binders making it all the more healthy for your Hens!
Our Next most popular feed is Scratch&Peck Layer Feed. This is a Organic, non-gmo layer feed that is gaining popularity every single season. Their food is largely natural and whole grains which the chickens love and thrive on. At 16% protein and over 3% calcium the nutrient levels are excellent. This feed is also on the Astro loyalty program making it easier to afford!
CHS Payback Layer Ration Pellet is a staple in most feed stores and that’s no different with the Co-op. This brand has some amazing feed and lots of options to fit your and your animals with both an organic and non-organic option. 17% protein with over 3% calcium and a reasonable price tag make it a contending choice.
Purina Layena Pellet is one of the most popular and common layer feeds you'll find on the market in every corner of the world. With 16% protein and over 3% calcium purina provides exactly what is needed for your laying hens every time. Available, consistent, and at a good price it’s no wonder why they are so popular.
We have lots of options for you to choose depending on your wants and specific demands so stop in at the Co-op and ask our staff about some of these options!
Along with the layer feed, you may need to increase the size grit you are providing if you have been giving the chick grit. These will be too small to effectively deal with the layer pellet option. Also, consider grabbing a bag of oyster shells to supplement your chickens calcium levels. As we talked about earlier they need a lot of calcium to make those shells happen and will know to eat the oyster shell you put out for them when they are deficient just like we know to drink water when we are thirsty.
When switching to your layer feed you may want to mix it in with their starter/grower feed for a while to get them used to the pellets and help them recognize it as food. Stop into the store with any questions and talk with our staff!
We’ll see you at the Co-op!
