If you’re raising backyard hens, one of the most important feeding decisions you’ll make is when to switch from grower feed to layer feed. The timing matters - too early and you risk long-term health problems, too late and your hens may struggle to produce quality eggs.
Getting this transition right sets your birds up for a lifetime of strong shells, steady laying and balanced nutrition.
Why the Switch Matters
Young pullets (teenage hens, roughly 6–18 weeks old) have very different nutritional needs from mature layers.
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Grower feed provides a balanced but moderate level of protein and energy to support steady body growth without over-conditioning. It contains lower calcium, since young birds don’t need to build eggshells yet
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Layer feed formulated for adult hens that are actively laying. It maintains a consistent protein and energy profile required for egg formation. A crucial difference is the hugely increased calcium content (over 3%) needed to form strong shells.
Feeding a layer feed too early can put strain on a pullet’s kidneys because of the excess calcium which can cause health issues: excess calcium fed before 16 to 18 weeks requires the kidneys to excrete it as calcium phosphate, which can lead to kidney damage, visceral gout and potentially reduce lifetime laying performance.
Feeding it too late, on the other hand, means your birds might lay soft-shelled or thin-shelled eggs because their calcium reserves weren’t ready when they started producing.
When to Make the Switch
Most pullets are ready for layer feed at around 18 weeks of age, or when they’re just about to start laying their first eggs.
If you’re not sure, here are a few signs it’s time to switch:
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You notice your pullets’ combs and wattles deepening in colour (bright red is a good indicator).
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They start exploring nest boxes or showing interest in darker corners of the coop.
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You find the first tiny “pullet egg” - small and perfectly formed.
Once the first egg arrives, it’s safe to transition the entire flock to layer feed.
How to Transition Smoothly
Avoid making sudden feed changes, as abrupt switches can cause digestive upset or reduced appetite. Instead:
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Mix feeds over a week: Start with 75% grower + 25% layer, then gradually increase the layer portion each day until it’s 100%.
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Monitor feed intake: Make sure birds are eating well throughout the change.
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Provide clean grit and plenty of water: This helps with digestion, especially if you’re moving from mash to pellets.
Mash or Pellets - Which to Choose?
Fiskens offers two complete layer feeds designed for different preferences and flock setups:
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Fiskens Layer Mash - ideal if you prefer a more traditional texture or like to mix in kitchen scraps, greens or grit. Some hens enjoy picking through mash and it’s easy to add supplements if needed.
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Fiskens Layer Pellets - a clean, easy-to-handle option that reduces waste and ensures every bite is nutritionally balanced. Pellets are also ideal for automatic or gravity feeders.
Both formulas deliver the right balance of protein, energy, vitamins and minerals for consistent laying performance and shell strength. The choice comes down to what works best for your birds - and your feeding routine.
Forage and Complete Feeding
Even if your hens free-range, it’s important to remember that pasture and scraps alone won’t meet all their nutritional needs. Forage is a great bonus source of greens and natural behaviour, but a complete feed like Fiskens Layer Mash or Pellets ensures every hen gets the correct nutrient mix daily.
According to the University of Maryland, a good rule of thumb is to offer 90% complete feed and 10% extras (greens, vegetables, mealworms, etc.) to maintain healthy balance and avoid diluting essential nutrients.
Final Takeaway
Switching from grower to layer feed at the right time is one of the simplest ways to support your hens’ long-term health and productivity.
By waiting until pullets are nearly ready to lay - then transitioning gradually - you’ll help your flock build strong bones, develop healthy reproductive systems and lay reliable, good-quality eggs.
And when you’re ready, Fiskens Layer Mash and Fiskens Layer Pellets make that next step easy - complete, balanced and trusted by New Zealand poultry keepers for generations.