Are eggs more nutritious if you keep a rooster?

[blessedgirl73]

My neighbor told me that eggs are more nutritious for us if we have a rooster about. Is this true? Hadn't planned on keeping any roosters, but one of the main reasons we wanted chickens was for the nutritious eggs (and for the responsibility and experience of having chickens for our family), but really would like to know if we should plan on keeping any roosters that we might have if that makes the eggs even more nutritious. Thanks!

 

[sumi]

If you have a rooster around most, if not all, the eggs will be fertile, nothing more. Proper feed and time outdoors and, if you can, free ranging, will make their eggs more nutritious.

 

[Amastacia]

i have never heard this before. to me, it kind of sounds like one of those old rumors that people have about chickens. i can't really think of anything that would make that be the case, but i could just be missing something.

 

[blessedgirl73]

Thanks for the info. I thought it might not be true... Also, a food question. I know we are to give them layer feed (buying organic from Azure Standard) and oyster shells. Is Scratch something they need as well? We definitely give them table scraps and such also...

They are outside everyday...haven't let them free range yet as we are unsure what our dog will do. If there is a rooster, may keep him to see if that goes well...

So appreciate your responses to my earlier question...thank you!

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Thanks for the info. I thought it might not be true... Also, a food question. I know we are to give them layer feed (buying organic from Azure Standard) and oyster shells. Is Scratch something they need as well? We definitely give them table scraps and such also...

They are outside everyday...haven't let them free range yet as we are unsure what our dog will do. If there is a rooster, may keep him to see if that goes well...

So appreciate your responses to my earlier question...thank you!

You don't need scratch. Scratch is basically chicken candy, meant for a treat and nothing more. Your layer pellets will be sufficient. Also remember that your table scraps are dessert as well, and that a chicken only eats 1/3 pound of total feed a day, so be mindful of the percentage of dessert you're giving the hens vs. the amount of later feed they get.