[Beano]

Hello,
I'm a first time bantam keeper,  having had chickens up until now.
At what age do I move them from growers to layers? Am I wrong in thinking that it will take longer for a bantam to start laying than a purebred hen? I know that hybrids start at around 16 weeks and purebred hens take a couple more weeks. So I'm wondering when to start them on layers.  Thanks for any help.

[New shoot]

With bantams, it is usually around 6 months of age before they start to lay - 24/25 weeks onwards really.

Young birds bought in during spring usually start in autumn, then take a break over winter and restart the following spring.

[Beano]

Thanks new shoot. Does that mean that she needs to be on growers for 6months? At the moment I'm feeding her a mixture of layers and growers and am hoping to have her in with the hens soon. So she'll have to eat what they're having. How does that work?

[New shoot]

She should be fine.  Growers have more protein and other stuff for birds that are still developing.  As the name implies, layers feed the birds to support egg laying.

Mixing the two is a good idea so she gets used to the new feed.  It is a good idea to have more than one feeder on the go when new birds are introduced to an existing flock.  It helps stop anyone being scared away from the food.  Just keep an eye on her and make sure she is getting to eat.  If need be, take her out of the run and feed her if you feel she still needs to grow up a bit and could do with some extras.