Layer feed not for roosters!?! What should I feed?

[Obsessed With Silkies]

So, I've come to the realization that it's not good for roosters to be eating layer feed. We feed our flocks with roosters the same feed which is layer feed. However, I read it's not good for the roosters and may cause organ problems or failure. What do you feed your mixed flocks without having to do separate feeds if at all? Thanks!

 

[sourland]

Flock raiser/maintenance with oyster shell on the side.

 

[Folly's place]

We also feed Flock Raiser, with separate oyster shell. Look for options that are fresh by mill date where you shop. A 20% protein all flock or chick feed will work.
Mary

 

[Chris2018]

For a mixed flock I feed Kalmbach's 20% Flock Maker (Non-GMO) and have oyster shells on the side.

 

[3KillerBs]

You may not need to "cut" it. The issue with 22% and older birds is only that you won't get the same benefit to cost ratio as with growing birds. If your price point is acceptable, I'd say to just roll with it. However, with meat scraps upping the protein (how much, how often?) a little dilution may be in order. I'm sure you'll carefully look at your unique situation.

Food scraps vary wildly from week to week depending on what we've been eating -- which depends on the sales in the grocery store.

 

[3KillerBs]

I'm sure you'll consider another lower protein feed as a cutting agent should you feel it's necessary. I'm more comfortable with that as it maintains other nutrients.

The problem with any lower-protein feed is that it's inevitably layer feed with the increased levels of calcium that my males and grow-outs don't need.

It's a perpetual cost vs nutrition vs availability vs suitability balancing act.

It would help if I could free-range, but for various reasons I can't.

 

[puddle_drinker]

So, I've come to the realization that it's not good for roosters to be eating layer feed. We feed our flocks with roosters the same feed which is layer feed. However, I read it's not good for the roosters and may cause organ problems or failure. What do you feed your mixed flocks without having to do separate feeds if at all? Thanks!

I believe roosters eating layer feed, with it's extra calcium, is probably more of a problem for young rooster chicks. Not so much a problem for mature roosters. My mature roosters eat the layer feed I put out for the hens. The mature roosters also will eat the crushed egg shells I put out for the hens free choice, even though I tell them not to.

 

[Folly's place]

We always have young birds, males, and hens either actively laying eggs, or not. It's easiest, and best for everyone, to feed an all-flock type feed, with separate oyster shell.
Mary

 

[Chris2018]

I believe roosters eating layer feed, with it's extra calcium, is probably more of a problem for young rooster chicks. Not so much a problem for mature roosters. My mature roosters eat the layer feed I put out for the hens. The mature roosters also will eat the crushed egg shells I put out for the hens free choice, even though I tell them not to.

Actually, too much Calcium is a problem for ALL non-laying birds.
A non-laying bird has no way to use up or extract high amounts of calcium, this includes chicks, pullets, cockerels, roosters and hens not laying due to season, age, improper diet illness etc.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Non medicated chick starter, grower feeds, turkey and gamebird feeds- finisher is 18-20% protein, broiler feeds, and of course anything that calls itself all flock feed.

The difference between these feeds and layer feed is calcium is 2% less. So pick whatever is economical, readily available, fresh (manufacture date), and what protein you want to supply.