When to Transition Pullets from Starter to Layer Feed — and Why It Matters
Feed is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your flock, and the transition from starter to layer feed is one that new chicken owners often get wrong — either too early, too late, or with the wrong product. Here's how to get it right.
Why the Transition Matters
Starter feed and layer feed are formulated for very different stages of a chicken's life.
Starter feed is high in protein (typically 18–20%) to support rapid growth and feather development. It contains little to no calcium — intentionally — because high calcium before a pullet's kidneys are mature can cause permanent damage.
Layer feed is lower in protein (typically 15–17%) and significantly higher in calcium (3–4%) to support eggshell production. That calcium is essential once laying begins, but harmful before it does.
Feeding layer feed too early is one of the most common mistakes new flock owners make. It's also one of the most preventable.
When to Make the Switch
The right time to transition is when your pullets begin laying — not at a specific age, and not before.
Most pullets begin laying between 18 and 22 weeks, depending on breed, season, and how they were raised. Some heritage breeds take longer. Some production breeds start earlier. Age is a guideline, not a rule.
Signs your pullets are ready to lay (and ready for layer feed):
- Combs and wattles are growing larger and turning bright red
- Squatting behavior when you approach (the “submissive squat” — a sign of sexual maturity)
- Increased interest in nesting boxes
- First eggs appearing — even small, irregular ones
Once you see these signs consistently, it's time to transition.
How to Transition
Don't switch feeds overnight. A gradual transition over 7–10 days reduces digestive stress and helps your flock adjust.
A simple transition schedule:
- Days 1–3: 75% starter, 25% layer
- Days 4–6: 50% starter, 50% layer
- Days 7–9: 25% starter, 75% layer
- Day 10+: 100% layer feed
If you have birds at different stages — some laying, some not — offer starter or all-flock feed for everyone and provide oyster shell on the side in a separate dish. Laying hens will self-regulate their calcium intake; non-layers will largely ignore it.
What About Oyster Shell?
Once your hens are on layer feed, oyster shell is optional but beneficial — especially for high-production breeds or older hens whose shells start to thin. Offer it free-choice in a small dish separate from the feeder. Hens know when they need it.
If you're seeing thin shells, soft shells, or shell-less eggs, that's a sign your hens need more calcium. Increase oyster shell availability before assuming the feed is the problem.
What Stafford Hill Farms Pullets Come Home On
Our pullets are transitioned to layer feed before they leave the farm. By the time they arrive at your home, they're already on the right feed for where they are in their development — no guesswork required on your end.
That said, if you're mixing our pullets into an existing flock on a different feed, use the gradual transition approach above and watch for the laying signs. Every bird is a little different.
Feed is foundational. Get this right and everything else — egg production, shell quality, flock health — tends to follow.