Feed for my roosters

[stretchy4u2]

Is scratch ok to use as a feeder

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's best to feed a premixed ration and give a handful of scratch as a treat, free ranged chickens can handled a more varied diet, but confined birds are at your mercy, that's why a balanced ration is best.

 

[stretchy4u2]

Can you please tell me what to buy. I have 7 chickens(4 hens 3 roosters) 9 chicks & 2 teenagers

 

[Hholly]

Can you please tell me what to buy. I have 7 chickens(4 hens 3 roosters) 9 chicks & 2 teenagers

I recommend a "Flock Raiser" or "All Flock" feed with a side dish of oyster shell for the hens.

 

[chickymonkey]

6 hens and 1 rooster. The girls will be ready for layer feed in August. After reading this thread, I'm not sure what to feed. Help?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Layer feed is lower in protein, 16%, but higher in calcium around 4%. If you plan to feed only layer with no extras, layer is fine. If you feed layer and give treats and scratch your overall daily protein drops and your hens can become deficient. I like an All Flock which is usually 18-20% protein and about 1.5% calcium, which helps keep the overall protein up when treats are fed. Oyster shells in a separate bowl will make up the calcium.

I also have roosters and young birds that don't need the extra calcium. My roosters live longer not eating layer.

So it depends on how you feed and what else you feed. I feed an All Flock because I give out scratch to keep mine busy. Layer doesn't make chickens lay. I also feed a non medicated grower to my bantams year round.