Are layer pellets ok for a roo?

[Chickemee]

I was wondering if I have to get some seperate feed or something for him or can he eat layer pellets also.

 

[digitS']

Let's see . . . too much calcium, vitamin A & D . . . not enuf zinc . . . you might be concerned about the phyto-estrogens in soybeans altering his energy, moods, and general joie de vivre . . .

I can't imagine that layer feed would NOT be fine for a rooster (double negative). Actually, the roosters I've had could count themselves lucky to get any of what I was trying to feed the hens.

(Now, if he starts laying . . . let us know

Étienne

 

[Churkenduse]

I would look at it logically: If you feed your girls layer feed can you imagine trying to stand watch over Roos so they will not eat the hens food. I don't think so.

I imagine the feed people took that into account and assumed it woul be near impossible to segregate the men from the girls.

You would have to keep the roo away from your hens/pullets and then you would never get fertile eggs...

Considering they eat bugs etc. I am sure it wouldn't hurt.

 

[digitS']

I took some time to try to find information on calcium content in layer and breeder rations and how that may effect roosters. My response to Chickemee on the same question earlier today was really made too casually. Sorry.

There's no question that calcium is significantly higher in layer/breeder than in feed for younger birds. And, a too high calcium diet for chicks is a real no-no. That excess calcium in layer/breeder feeds interferes with the growth of young birds and can cause kidney dysfunction.

Layer feed has about 3 times the calcium as does a broiler feed. Breeder ration is essentially the same as a laying ration in calcium. A higher vitamin and protein content is what sets it apart from what is commonly given hens kept for egg production. (It should be noted that the cooperative extension folks don't always advise the keepers of small flocks to bother with feeding breeder rations even if that is the purpose of the birds. The higher costs and bother in finding these feeds isn't always considered worthwhile.)

On the subject of excess calcium for the roosters - here's what a poultry science specialist writing for the Ministry of Agriculture, Ontario has to say: "It is also interesting to realize that most roosters today are fed high-calcium breeder diets, which provide 4-6x their calcium needs, yet kidney dysfunction is quite rare in these birds."

Steve

 

[Chickemee]

Thank you but right now i've had him on scratch so is there anything else I can give to him and what I just found out was another rooster.

 

[Aun <HIS><]

I've always given layer pellets to my flock when they start laying, with no adverse effect to my roosters. Good question, it's smart to be thinking about good nutrition for each member of your flock.

 

[Aun <HIS><]

Scratch is more of a treat, and to help warm them up in the winter. They shouldn't have it by itself, they won't get all that they need nutritionally. They should be on starter until they're about 2 months, then grower until about 5 months, then on layer pellets. If all you have is roos, I'm not sure what would be best for them...

 

[All my hens are roosters]

All mine get 16% pellets, supplemented by whatever grazing they do around the yard and treats from the neighbor's garden now and then.