Can we talk about feeding boys?

[MotherHen999]

I've been reading that boys shouldn't be on commercial layers pellets due to not needing the calcium that they provide... which does make but in real terms, how do y'all feed your boys if they're in with the girls? I can't exactly teach them to eat only from a different feeder and the girls not to go near it (can I?).

Does anyone feed layers with no issues?

 

[1cock2hens]

I think alot of people will use something safe for everyone like an all flock with oyster shell or some other calcium source on the side, that's what I used to do.

 

[Tookie]

What you want to feed them is an all flock or a starter/grower feed with oyster shell on the side.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

Purina ‘all flock’ 20% crumble is what I used for new chicks and older birds alike. There is a lot of waste with crumble so as soon as the youngest were 15-16 weeks I switched to Dumor 17% all flock pellets…good to the last bit. Oyster shell on the side; the males don’t bother it.

 

[Sussex19]

I use grower pellets, with oyster shell on the side.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I feed turkey grower to any pen with males in it, and oyster she'll on the side. Single ladies (mainly just my blind gal) get layer crumbers

 

[Brooks_]

I use Purina flock raiser crumble for all life stages, but most any all flock/starter/grower (crumble or pellet based on age) with oyster shell on the side for layers and free choice grit would be fine.

 

[Brooks_]

Does anyone feed layers with no issues?

Some do say that there is no issue. Keep in mind that calcium toxicity is cumulative (Years) and is more damaging to chicks. Also I know of none that have had a necropsy done to really say that there was no issue. Still others say that it is likely a predator will get them before the calcium does.

It all comes down to risk management. I find the feed to be easily controllable, so I don't take risks there.

Hope this helps.

 

[3KillerBs]

I feed all-flock type feed with oystershell on the side since I have a mixed age flock with males and young pullets rather than just mature hens.

Layer is minimal protein anyway.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I will also add the feeding I do now is new. I didn't feed anything but layer before the year before last and had multiple males that lived many years with it.

Especially if you're feeling freezer boys wouldn't make this a crisis