Re: Switching from growers to layers

In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Jill 
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes
> "Goofy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > "EppingBoy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> > news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > My Speckledies are 16 weeks old and in theory should start laying in a
> > > few weeks time. When should I be switching from growers to layers? I
> > > don't want to start them too early as they will still be growing.
> > > Are they likely to start laying later at this time of year due to the
> > > lack of daylight? or are hybrids not so fussed about the weather?
> > > TIA
> > > Bryann
> >
> > Lol - don't worry, they won't lay too early!
> > I'd give them 26 weeks before they lay.
>
> Speckledies SHOULD start laying before 26 weeks as they are a commercially
> tweaked hybrid for efficiency
> Whether they do or not will depend on where you live and the facilities you
> have given them
> But yes they should be on layers now - its a correct feed for the
> preparation to laying as well as during laying

I'm curious about this. I'm not particularly knowledgeable about poultry 
nutrition but many of the long time breeders who can't obtain breeder 
pellets say that they use growers (without coccidiostats) plus offer 
calcified seaweed & grit. I realise that Speckledies aren't going to be 
breeders but I had the impression that the most important differences 
were higher vitamins & protein in grower, higher calcium & minerals in 
layers.
Come on then give us an in depth lesson in poultry nutrition:-))

> Recommended is around 15 weeks for commercials and 17 weeks for pures
> The layers rations in the UK is NOT medicated although you do have the
> choices of 16 % 18% GM free or not Organic or not and with or with out
> artificial colourants
> and that depends on where you live too
>
> The chances are they will start to lay at around 22 if they have been well
> done up to now but it will not be exactly full blast - unless you are a dry
> bright part of the country and they have correct lighting regmes etc
>
> If you ahve not already provide them with a bowl of grit free access outside
> don't mix it in - they know how much or little to take
>
> good luck
>
> --
> regards
> Jill Bowis
> new for Christmas http://www.animalgiftshop.co.uk - hand quilted cushions
> Pure bred utility chickens and ducks; Housing; Books
> Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
> Holidays in Scotland and Wales
> http://www.kintaline.co.uk
>
> > Just check that the growers food is ok for the eggs to be eaten - some are
> > not.

--

Regards


Krys
www.lluestfarmpoultry.co.uk