feed

[johnbhoy]

ok hi there i think i have sources out some hy-line poulets at 18 weeks for what seems a decent price £10 each
firstly are they decent layers

would i at this stage feed them growers pellets or layers as im told they should start laying at about 18 weeks?

what would be a decent feed at a not extorsiant price

and lastly how much feed would i need to put out per bird (they will be free range)

thanks for looking and hope im not too much of a pain in the bum lol

[chicken slave]

I don't know how much per bird, all I do is fill the large feeder and leave it in there house (which is rat proof) It is filled twice a week, as the birds free range all day in my large garden. I take corn up for them and spread it around over the grass which keeps them busy most of the day. Since they started fully free ranging there pellet intake has lessened but on cold, wet or windy days it does go back up as they spend most of the day in or around the shed.
I would say let them dictate how much they have and I would go for layer pellets unless you are wanting to fatten them up, in winter I do a mix of 3/4 layer pellets and 1/4 growers to ensure they have a little more body fat for the cold.

[Flummery]

They should be on layers' pellets at 18 weeks. Hy-line, I gather, is a breeders' term for the usual little brown hybrid hens - Isa, Warren, Ranger, each hatchery has their own name for them. Hybrids are very good layers.
They usually reckon about 4 - 5 oz per bird but they might not need all this if they free range. Point of Lay is a stage rather than an actual age. They are at point of lay from about 18 - about 28 weeks depending on the type. Hybrids usually lay at about 22 weeks but some pure breeds can take AGES!

[johnbhoy]

thanks for taking the time with my thread and for the advice as it is all new to me lol

[Snadger]

Welcome to the vine johnbhoy! I would feed them layers pellets and give them as much as they want to eat i.e. always available for them!

[Hans Mum]

much as everyone else has said, ,mine eat more if its wet and they are inside more, i use layer pellets and they get porridge on a morning, plus treats

[Bephlam]

I kept mine on growers until they came in to lay - and plan on doing that will all my birds!