Feeding rooster

nlsf

In the Brooder
Feb 19, 2017
46
4
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I'm debating getting a rooster to protect my hens when they free range. However I feed my hens layer feed is that okay to feed the rooster or will I need to change feed?
 
Some say it's fine, but I have had troubles with roosters dying at about age 4 on layer. I feed an All Flock, or a non medicated grower with oyster shells free choice. I actually prefer the higher protein of both these rations.
 
I'm debating getting a rooster to protect my hens when they free range. However I feed my hens layer feed is that okay to feed the rooster or will I need to change feed?

I have 12 chickens (4 rosters, 8 hens) and they all eat layers feed and turn out fine. Also before you do get any roster DO YOUR RESHEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Some rosters are REALLLLLLLLLLY mean. I would go with bared rock or new jersey giant.
 
I'm debating getting a rooster to protect my hens when they free range. However I feed my hens layer feed is that okay to feed the rooster or will I need to change feed?

Oldhenlikeschickens makes a good point about feeding flock raiser, but if your birds free range you shouldn't have to worry too much about feeding them layer.
If you want a nice rooster I think it is more the individual rooster than the breed. I've had sweet roosters of several breeds and very very few mean ones. Since you already have adult hens you might want to check in your area and see if anyone has an adult rooster with a nice temperament they don't need. Maybe they were growing out a few extras and have several nice ones. Maybe they have an older one and would like to bring in new blood lines. In any case you would be getting a rooster whose temperament is known rather than raising one yourself and taking pot luck.
I've found that the nicest roosters are raised within a flock with birds of all ages including other roosters and the worst offenders were often raised as pets with very few others and all the same age. If the cockerel has to come up through the ranks so to speak, they seem to have better behavior then if they started at the top.
 

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