Calcium, Roosters, and Hens--Explain

[gatrapper]

I have read countless posts about how feeding young birds layer pellets can harm their bodies and cause their organs to shut down. I have read that they have no way to process the calcium into an eggshell.

If that is the case, how are roosters able to eat layer pellets without any problems?

 

[DobieLover]

I have read countless posts about how feeding young birds layer pellets can harm their bodies and cause their organs to shut down. I have read that they have no way to process the calcium into an eggshell.

If that is the case, how are roosters able to eat layer pellets without any problems?

The kidneys have to process the excess calcium. The damage to the kidneys is cumulative. Eventually, they will shut down and the bird will die. If you don't plan to keep your birds to an older age than it probably doesn't matter.

 

[glassdragonfly]

Oh I didn't know that! My feed store doesn't have flock feed so I have been getting layer. Would it be better to get grower feed? They have oyster shell all the time and their eggs are great, so I know they don't need the calcium,but didn't think the grower would be good for them.

 

[DobieLover]

Oh I didn't know that! My feed store doesn't have flock feed so I have been getting layer. Would it be better to get grower feed? They have oyster shell all the time and their eggs are great, so I know they don't need the calcium,but didn't think the grower would be good for them.

You can keep your flock on grower for the rest of their lives. As long as there is oyster shell on the side for the active layers, your birds should do well.

 

[glassdragonfly]

You can keep your flock on grower for the rest of their lives. As long as there is oyster shell on the side for the active layers, your birds should do well.

Cool DobieLover! Thank you so much. I should have looked here first,ask and learn! Next time its grower.