feeding pullets

Sholtzy · **Joined:** Fri Jul 29, 2011 12:16 pm **Posts:** 3

Should I start feeding pullets on layer pellets or should I wait until they become hens then switch them to the layer pellets?

Ian Clayton · **Posted:** Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:21 pm

Hi

Feed your young pullets a growing mash until a couple of weeks before they start to lay then switch them over to a laying mash/pellet.

If you feed laying mash/pellets to pullets they would be getting too much calcium in their diet and that is not good for them. The extra calcium in laying mash is for egg production.

Ian

Sholtzy · **Joined:** Fri Jul 29, 2011 12:16 pm **Posts:** 3

Sorry but how do I know when its 2 weeks before they start laying?

Poultry Doc · **Joined:** Tue Jun 21, 2011 10:40 pm **Posts:** 29

Hello and good day.

Have your layer feed ready so that once the first egg drops, you can start mixing it with the grower feed, say for 3-5 days, for a good transition to a high calcium diet. The basic concept is that there should be a source to replace the calcium that goes out into the egg or else your hens' bodies will get it from their bones and lamesness will set in.

If you were able to grow your pullets into standard weights all throughout their growing period (there are standard weights that they have to attain every week), then you should expect them to lay also on expected onset of lay (usually there are standards on when each species/breed comes into lay). Delays in onset of lay are usually caused by poor weight history and disease incidences.

Thanks.

Sholtzy · **Joined:** Fri Jul 29, 2011 12:16 pm **Posts:** 3

So good to know all this I would have never to mix their food for high calcium, so big cheers for that.

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