At a Crossroads on Feed!

[Mimi13]

I think with regards to layer feed, I kept my rooster on layer feed for 4 years an ultimately he died not to kidney problems but a raccoon. I was going to replace him next year.
If it's your intention to keep your rooster around for more than 5 years, or if your roosters are pets and never ever food, sure, feed an all flock feed. It may effect their lifespan or mortality. If you expect to rotate through your rooster more than every 5-6 years (and most people who breed do, as rooster start loosing fertility around 4 years or so) just feed them layer feed. They'll be fine.

I have no suggestions on feeders. I only ever feed out what my chickens will eat in one day anyhow. As you've discovered, ants are a problem. So are rats. So is over-eating, and I've had PLENTY of fat hens. I never leave feed out. Never.

Well, I am from the school of chickens are for eggs and meat so I guess it won’t hurt my roosters to partake of the yummy layer feed.

 

[Mimi13]

I work for a Purina dealer and I haven't heard anything about them discontinuing Flock Raiser pellets. I'm going to have to look into this. Have you asked your local Tractor Supply to special order you the feed you want? They will usually do it. Also, I feed layena about 75% of the time and I have multiple roosters who are more than 7 yrs old.

That would be wonderful if you could look into this. I have asked two of my closest TSC’s about ordering it. Both looked online and said it wasn’t on “their sheet” to order, but they took down my information and said they would call me if they could order it. That didn’t sound too promising to me and I didn’t expect to hear from either one...and I haven’t! Shocker!!! Looks like my boys will be eating girl food from now on.

 

[Mimi13]

I suggest that you rotate 2 5G. buckets, making them about 3/4 full.

After reading all these posts and your article on FF my decision has been made. Tonight, as I was putting the chickens up, I went ahead and got out my 5 gallon, orange, HD bucket and mixed me up a batch of the good old fermented feed. I was so excited about doing so that I went ahead and slopped a little out on the ground to see what the new chicks thought about it. Of course, they gathered around and stared at the wads like a calf stares at a new gate. Slowly they made their way up and gave it a few pecks. Yum is what they said! They almost missed getting into the coop on time. Just imagine what they’re gonna say when it’s got that little bit of “whang” to it! I know my older girls are gonna be glad. They always scarfed down what I would put out for them. Thank you for helping me through my dilemma.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Yeah, if you plan on getting chicks and meat from your roosters, feed the layer feed and rotate your rooster every 4 years. You won't notice a difference.

 

[lazy gardener]

BTW, I take no credit for that article. It was written by Tikki Jane.

 

[Mimi13]

BTW, I take no credit for that article. It was written by Tikki Jane.

Maybe so, but you led me to it. Thank you.

 

[HazelandPearl]

Fermenting helped me save on feed spillage! Just read you started that. Good luck!

 

[BlackBrookPoultry]

I got a reply back from the Purina rep. Flock Raiser pellets are not going away.