Does layer mash affect our roos?

[MareeZoCool]

I've noticed my roo has been nibbling more of the layer mash since the weather has gotten colder. I mix the feed in with some wild-bird feed, which has 20% ground corn, & 20% BOSS. He never touched the mash feed 'till the snows flew.

Another difference with my crazy roo; he is crowing much more often during the day. Weeks ago, he'd only crow if he didn't see the hen. Or he'd crow while she's laying an egg. Recently,(layer mash-stuffed) he has been crowing several times a day. Even while the hen is beside him! DO YOU THINK THE LAYER MASH/ FEED has chemicals or hormones that affect roos? Even if they are natural, from plant sources.

 

[Cats Critters]

My boys are fine eating the layer feed. So I think it's fine for them.

 

[Chris09]

DO YOU THINK THE LAYER MASH/ FEED has chemicals or hormones that affect roos? Even if they are natural, from plant sources.

Poultry feed has no hormones in it.

Chris​

 

[gryeyes]

The feed store folks told me it was okay to feed layer feed (crumbles, pellets, whatever) to roosters. I was worried because I have 7 pullets and one roo, and didn't REALLY want to have to try to feed him separately.

The restriction on layer feed is not to feed it to chicks or chickens younger than 16- 18 wks old.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Yes...in a good way!! It give them much needed nutrition and a full belly!!

As another poster stated...there are no hormones in poultry feed anymore...thank you Lord!!

 

[Katy]

No, it doesn't have hormones in it, but there is some thought that since layer has a higher calcium content it can lead to kidney issues for the roos since they aren't laying eggs to get rid of the extra calcium. I feed my flock Flock Raiser and keep oyster shell out for the hens. I had a roo back when I fed layer that exhibited the signs of kidney problems. Since I switched to flock raiser I haven't had any more problems.

 

[Chris09]

Jus to add to what Kathy said,
Layer feed contains around 3% limestone flower (some have a higher presentage) to make egg shells. But roosters dont lay eggs, and if fed entirely on layers feed (a feed designed for hens), the excess calcium may upset their matabolisum since the level of calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A and D are related, and an excess or shortage of one will affect the other.

Vitamin A --
is needed for new cell growth, healthy skin and tissues, and vision in dim light.
Vitamin D --
is produced naturally in the body when exposed to the ultra violet rays from the sun, and its main function is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium, and phosphorus. Lack of vitamin D can cause soft egg shells, and brittle, or thin bones in fowl. Vitamin D also helps keep your birds immune system strong, and can affect their over all growth, and development. Extreme cases of vitamin D deficiency can even lead to diseases like Rickets.
Phosphorus --
is needed for healthy bones, energy metabolism, and acid base balance in the body.


Chris