Best way to feed roosters and hens living in the same coop.

[Aunt Angus]

I have a 7 1/2 yo old rooster who I believe has mostly eaten layer in his life and hasn't had any problems. I also have a 4yo rooster who has always eaten layer and hasn't had any problems. That's my experience.

That's great! I'm glad to hear that. I just personally couldn't do it based on what I've read. But I know there are studies out there with different results. I just prefer to err on the side of caution.

 

[Tonyroo]

I have high protein and layer feeds in a tub next to each other. My rooster always eats from the higher protein feed, he doesn't touch the layer feed.

My benefits from my setup is that the hens and rooster gets what they need and when molt season comes around. There body is primed to handle it with ease.

 

[Brooks_]

I just prefer to err on the side of caution

I agree. I take risks with my setup, but the feed is easily controllable.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

I have two hens and feed them flock raiser with oyster shell on the side when they’re laying.

 

[Tookie]

That's great! I'm glad to hear that. I just personally couldn't do it based on what I've read. But I know there are studies out there with different results. I just prefer to err on the side of caution.

I would like to get starter/grower but where I buy my feed they don't have it In the brand I buy. I like to get non gmo and non soy feed which is hard to find, which is why I like that brand.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I have a 7 1/2 yo old rooster who I believe has mostly eaten layer in his life and hasn't had any problems. I also have a 4yo rooster who has always eaten layer and hasn't had any problems. That's my experience.

When your roosters die, do you do a necropsy to see how many of the six kidney segments are atrophied or swollen? A chicken only needs two functioning segments to appear normal.

 

[Tookie]

When your roosters die, do you do a necropsy to see how many of the six kidney segments are atrophied or swollen? A chicken only needs two functioning segments to appear normal.

I don't do necropsies.
Now you're making me think to change feed.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

All Flock for all birds at all life stages. Free choice oyster shell, free choice grit, and plenty fo fresh clean water at all times. Easy for you, good for your birds.

 

[Sally PB]

Free choice oyster shell, free choice grit, and plenty fo fresh clean water at all times. Easy for you, good for your birds.

Ditto.

Layer feed is quite a bit lower in protein. I want to be able to give my chickens treats sometimes, and not short change them on protein.

 

[sdm111]

Feed everybody lay pellets.