Backyard Chicken - Weeks 15–17: Egg-ticipation

Weeks 15–17: Egg-ticipation

Your pullets are nearing maturity and the first egg is just around the corner. Egg-producing pullets will typically begin laying at about 18 to 20 weeks and will need to be switched to a complete layer feed. Choose a layer feed today so you’re ready for the transition at week 18.
Laying hens require 38 different nutrients to stay healthy and produce quality eggs. The biggest difference is calcium. Chickens need to eat 4 grams of calcium per day to form an eggshell each day. If the feed does not provide enough calcium, hens may pull the nutrient from their bones, eventually causing a weak skeletal structure. Purina layer feeds that include the Oyster Strong® System are made to provide this necessary calcium, so there’s no need to supplement with oyster shells.
Chicken Eggs

Chicken Layer Feed
The feed you select can also impact the nutrition profile of a hen’s eggs. For added nutrition, look for a complete feed that includes omega-3. It’s been shown that hens fed Layena® Plus Omega-3 can produce eggs with 250 mg omega-3 fatty acids per egg.1
Lighting: At 16 weeks of age, it is time to get those ladies prepared for laying eggs. Egg laying is controlled by many things, but day length is key to getting your hens ready for laying. Increase their day length to 16 hours of light by supplementing the natural day length with one 40-watt bulb for each 100 square feet (10’ x 10’) of floor space. Set the light on a timer if necessary.
Roosters: Roosters do not need added calcium, like hens do. If you have a rooster, continue feeding him a complete feed that’s high in protein, like Purina® Flock Raiser® crumbles or Purina® Organic Starter-Grower. Roosters can be fed in feeders placed higher or in a different area.
1When fed a diet of Layena® Plus Omega-3 exclusively for at least 3 weeks. Based on large egg (56 g). Results may vary with factors such as total diet and hen health. A typical store bought egg contains 50 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per large Egg (USDA: National Nutrient Base).
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