Sophie Bennett
Raising chicks and helping them transition to laying hens is a complex process that requires careful attention to their diet. The right nutrients will help them grow and lay eggs. Starter feed, which is high in protein, is essential for chicks to support their rapid growth, bone health, and muscle development. However, as they mature, their dietary needs shift towards a higher calcium requirement to facilitate egg production. This transition to layer feed should occur gradually over about a week to prevent digestive issues, and typically begins when the chicks are between 16 and 24 weeks old, depending on the breed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to switch to layer feed | 16-20 weeks or when the first egg arrives |
| Transition time | 1 week |
| Daily food amount | 1/4 pound |
| Daily food amount (in cups) | 1/4 cup of layer pellet feed |
| Food frequency | Twice daily |
| Food amount per feed (for 14 hens) | 3.5 cups |
| Calcium requirement for adult laying hens | 4-5 grams |
| Omega-3s | Vital for more nutritious eggs |
| Prebiotics and probiotics | Boost immune and digestive health |
| Calcium | Needed for strong shells and bones |
| Magnesium | Needed for strong shells and bones |
| Feed form | Mash, crumbles, or pellets |
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What You'll Learn
Transition to grower feed at 8 weeks
Chicks should be fed starter feed for the first eight weeks of their lives. This feed should be filled with complete proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to establish and support bone health and immunity. After eight weeks, chicks are considered pullets and should be transitioned to grower feed.
Grower feed should be provided to pullets from eight to 20 weeks old. This feed supports quick growth during adolescence and provides the essential nutrients needed for proper development. It should have a slightly lower protein content and calcium level (less than 1.25%) but still include omega-3s and other essential nutrients to support digestion and health.
The transition from starter to grower feed should be gradual to prevent digestive upset. It is recommended to mix the starter and grower feed evenly for four to five days. This allows the chicks to adjust to the new diet and ensures a smooth transition.
After the grower feed phase, which lasts about 10 weeks, pullets can be transitioned to layer feed when they start laying eggs. This feed is higher in calcium and protein to support egg production and should be maintained consistently to keep hens healthy and productive.
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Switch to layer feed at 16-18 weeks
When chicks are around eight weeks old, they are considered pullets. At this stage, it is recommended to transition them to a grower feed with a slightly lower protein content and calcium level (less than 1.25%) but one that still includes omega-3s and other essential nutrients.
At 16–18 weeks, chicks are no longer babies and are officially adults. This is the ideal time to transition them to a layer feed, which is higher in calcium and protein to support egg production. It is important to make the transition over time to prevent digestive upset. One way to do this is to mix the starter and layer feed evenly for four to five days. If the chicks are used to crumbles, start with a crumble layer feed. The same goes for pellets. The more similar the two feeds are, the more smoothly the transition will go.
There are many complete layer feed options available, such as Purina® Organic layer feed, Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3, and Purina® Layena® pellets and crumbles. It is recommended to choose a feed that is formulated to provide everything the chicks require without the need for supplementation.
Once the transition to layer feed is complete, it is best to maintain a routine. It is recommended to provide free-choice layer feed to hens and switch out the feed each morning and evening. If the birds are free-ranging, offer the complete feed to hens before they go out in the morning. This will help them consume the nutrients they require before filling up on less nutritious insects and plants. It is important for the complete feed to make up at least 90% of the hen’s diet.
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Choose a complete layer feed
When choosing a complete layer feed, it is important to select a feed that is formulated to provide all the nutrients your hens require, without the need for supplementation. This is known as a "complete layer feed".
Complete layer feeds are formulated to provide all the nutrients hens require at the correct levels. This ensures that each bite of feed is balanced and keeps your hens healthy and able to produce quality eggs. A good quality feed for chickens has a protein content between 16-20%. It should also be enhanced with omega-3s, prebiotics, probiotics, calcium, and magnesium.
There are a variety of complete layer feed options available on the market, including Purina Organic Layer Feed, Purina Layena Plus Omega-3, and Purina Layena pellets and crumbles. These feeds contain grains, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that laying hens need to be healthy.
It is important to note that layer feed should not be fed to chickens younger than 18 weeks unless they have begun laying eggs. This is because layer feed contains calcium, which can damage the kidneys, reduce lifetime egg production, and shorten a bird's lifespan.
Once your chickens reach 18 weeks of age or begin laying eggs, you can start to transition them to a layer feed. This transition should be done gradually over the course of about one week to prevent digestive upset. You can do this by mixing the starter and layer feed evenly for four to five days, and then switching to all layer feed.
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Transition over one week
Transitioning chicks to laying pellets is a process that should be done over time to prevent digestive upset. The general guideline is to feed chicks with starter feed from birth until they are eight weeks old. At this point, they are considered pullets and should be transitioned to grower feed with a slightly lower protein content and calcium level. Once the pullets start laying eggs, they can be transitioned to a higher-calcium and protein-rich layer feed to support egg production.
Day 1-2: Start by mixing the starter and grower feed in a 50:50 ratio. If your chicks are used to crumbs, opt for grower crumbs rather than pellets. The more similar the two feeds are, the smoother the transition will be.
Day 3-4: Gradually adjust the ratio to 25% starter feed and 75% grower feed. Continue providing water and treats such as greens, but no other types of food.
Day 5-7: By the fifth day, you can stop feeding the starter feed and make the complete switch to grower feed. It is important to give your chicks time to adjust to their new diet. Make sure they always have access to water and grit, which aids in digestion.
Once your chicks have transitioned to grower feed, they can remain on this diet until they start laying eggs. At this point, you can begin transitioning them to layer feed, which is higher in calcium and protein to support egg production.
Day 1-2: Mix the grower and layer feed in a 50:50 ratio. If your pullets are used to grower crumbs, opt for layer crumbs or crumbles rather than pellets.
Day 3-4: Adjust the ratio to 25% grower feed and 75% layer feed. Continue providing water and access to grit, but avoid other types of food or treats.
Day 5-7: By the fifth day, you can stop feeding the grower feed and provide only layer feed. It is important to allow your pullets time to adjust to their new diet. Ensure they always have access to water and grit to aid in digestion.
Remember, the timing of these transitions may vary depending on the breed of your chickens and their individual growth rates. Some pullets may start laying eggs as early as 16 weeks, while others may take up to 32 weeks. It is crucial to monitor your chickens' development and adjust their diet accordingly.
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Provide free choice layer feed
When transitioning your chicks to a layer feed, it is important to do so gradually to prevent digestive upset. Once the transition is complete, it is recommended to provide free-choice layer feed to hens, replacing it every morning and evening. This ensures they consume the necessary nutrients before filling up on less nutritious food sources.
Free-choice feeding allows hens to eat as much as they need to meet their nutritional requirements. A good quality feed will have a protein content of 16-20% and will be enhanced with omega-3s, prebiotics, probiotics, calcium, and magnesium. Omega-3s are essential for more nutritious eggs, while prebiotics and probiotics support digestive and immune health. Calcium and magnesium are crucial for strong shells and bones, and calcium is especially important for egg production.
It is important to note that layer feed should not be given to chickens younger than 18 weeks unless they have started laying eggs. This is because the feed contains calcium, which can harm their kidneys, reduce egg production, and shorten their lifespan. Therefore, it is recommended to start transitioning to layer feed when chicks are between 18 and 20 weeks old or when they begin laying, which can be as early as 16 weeks for some breeds.
When switching to layer feed, it is best to do so gradually over about a week. You can start by mixing the starter and layer feed evenly for four to five days, and then fully switch to layer feed. If your chickens are used to crumbles, it is recommended to start with a crumble layer feed, and the same applies to pellets. This gradual transition will help the chickens adjust to the new diet without any digestive issues.
Some popular options for layer feed include Purina Organic Layer Feed, Purina Layena Plus Omega-3, and IFA's Premium High Protein Layer Pellet. It is important to follow the feeding instructions on the label and ensure that the feed makes up at least 90% of the hen's diet, with treats making up the remaining 10%.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to switch your chicks to laying pellets when they are between 16 and 18 weeks old. This is when they are no longer considered babies and are officially adults.
It is important to transition your chicks to laying pellets over one week to prevent digestive upset. Start by mixing the starter and layer feed evenly for four or five days. Then, stop feeding the starter feed and make the complete switch to all layer feed.
There are many complete layer feed options available, including Purina® Organic layer feed, Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3, and Purina® Layena® pellets and crumbles. You can also choose between crumbles and pellets. Crumbles look like chick starter feed, while pellets are the same food compressed into the shape of a pellet, which some say results in less waste.
Laying hens require high levels of calcium, vitamins, and minerals to produce an egg each day. They also require protein to maintain their energy levels. Omega-3s are vital for more nutritious eggs, and prebiotics and probiotics boost immune and digestive health.
