feeding hens and roos same food?

[TTownChics]

Our chicks are about to go on grower feed. I am trying to think ahead and think of what I need to buy when they lay.

I read that layer feed can be bad for the roosters. What do you guys do? Do you do the all flock feed and supplement for the hens?

 

[KateJ75]

From what I have read on here and elsewhere, that is exactly what you do: Feed a regular ration to the entire flock and leave out oyster shells for the gals.

 

[TTownChics]

That's what I was reading too. The roosters won't eat it?

 

[KateJ75]

Nope. It's true of most animals (excluding us silly humans) that they will only eat what is nutritionally required. Roos shouldn't bother it.

 

[donrae]

Funny enough, my roosters don't eat the oyster shell. They DO know that the hens like it, though. I never would have thought a rooster could understand a hen would like something he has no interest in.....but when I toss some in the run the rooster goes into full on treat calling mode, so excited to show his ladies what a great provider he is. He never actually eats a single bit.

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Funny enough, my roosters don't eat the oyster shell. They DO know that the hens like it, though. I never would have thought a rooster could understand a hen would like something he has no interest in.....but when I toss some in the run the rooster goes into full on treat calling mode, so excited to show his ladies what a great provider he is. He never actually eats a single bit.

Mine does the same thing when I refill the oyster shell and grit bins. It's hilarious. "Ignore the woman with the bags, look what *I* have found for you!"