I start feeding my pheasants layer feed about a month before I think they'll start laying. I've used Layena before, but if you can find a gamebird breeder or a pheasant breeder feed from a local mill, go with that. The Purina is way overpriced. I use a gamebird breeder feed from Hamilton Farm Bureau down here, with good success. I've also used a gamebird finisher feed with oyster shells set in a seperate feeder with good results too. I'm planning on feeding my quail the gamebird breeder this year, and shouldn't have any problems.
BTW, how did you do during ML season this year. Hope that Encore did you right