feed for a rooster

[rkinney1977]

im new at this i have 17 young hens that are 8-9 weeks old an just picked up a 1 year old rooster what feed should i be using. an how can i put him in with the rest of my flock

 

[damselfish]

For feed, he can eat the normal starter food that they are eating, it won't hurt him.

When you switch them to adult food, you can feed them all a non-layer feed like Flock Raiser and offer oyster shell on the side for the hens' calcium needs (for the eggshells). The rooster will just ignore the oyster shell. Some people choose to feed a layer feed which has the calcium included and that will not hurt the rooster either.

Integrating them, I have no advice since roosters we have owned have all been raised with the hens. Maybe someone else will come along & lend a hand on that part.

Good luck!

Edited to add:

 

[JodyJo]

damselfish is right, offering oyster shell is the way to go, the roo won't touch it..he doesn't need it.

as far as integrating...no experience with that, my roos were raise with my hens as well....good luck,
someone will be able to help...

 

[rkinney1977]

thank you that helps alot

 

[seminolewind]

I would just feed the roo whatever the pullets are eating.

 

[jwiltrout99]

im new at this i have 17 young hens that are 8-9 weeks old an just picked up a 1 year old rooster what feed should i be using. an how can i put him in with the rest of my flock

The best way to introduce your rooster to the rest of your flock is to divide the living space into two areas separated by a fence/chicken wire. Keep the hens on one side and your rooster on the other. Let them get used to each other over time....a week or so perhaps. I would alternate letting the hens and the rooster out to roam if that is something you are doing. Once it seems they have gotten used to the presence of each other, you can let them mingle. I would be prepared to intervene if things get ugly though. There will probably be some aggression from both the hens and the roo...they need to work out the pecking order but keep a close eye on them. Good Luck!