Feeding layers and rooster All Flock Feed

[meekasmom]

I have a rooster and was told that he should not be eating layer feed because of the high calcium content. I have since gone to feeding an All Flock Feed and supplementing with oyster shell so my layers get enough calcium. I have noticed that some eggs have very thin shells. The hens are approaching 2 years old so maybe that's the reason. What do you feed a flock of layers with a rooster?

 

[pitbullmomma]

That's exactly what I do....All Flock and put out supplemental oyster shell. The girls pick out what they need, the boys leave the shell, and my eggs are beauteous.

Flock Raiser is expensive but it is good stuff!! And now my girls are molting so the extra protein is good for them. I say keep doing what you're doing!

 

[DobieLover]

I have a rooster and was told that he should not be eating layer feed because of the high calcium content. I have since gone to feeding an All Flock Feed and supplementing with oyster shell so my layers get enough calcium. I have noticed that some eggs have very thin shells. The hens are approaching 2 years old so maybe that's the reason. What do you feed a flock of layers with a rooster?

I've read the same thing, that roosters should not eat layer feed due to the extra calcium.
I have also read that if the cockerel is at least 18 weeks old, that they will be fine eating a layer formulation.
I went with the "feed oyster shell on the side" route. Finally got my first egg. It was shell-less. It could just be my young pullets body working out the kinks. But after the initial inspection of the novel new hanger with the oyster shell in it, I've never seen any of the pullets dining there.
I've since started adding the oyster shell into my mix to target 3.5% Ca.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I have a rooster and was told that he should not be eating layer feed because of the high calcium content. I have since gone to feeding an All Flock Feed and supplementing with oyster shell so my layers get enough calcium. I have noticed that some eggs have very thin shells. The hens are approaching 2 years old so maybe that's the reason. What do you feed a flock of layers with a rooster?

I just feed them all 'layer feed'...... roosters and hens! I think people make too much of a deal about the extra calcium in layer feed not being good for roosters, a lot of folks feed layer and I've yet to hear of roosters dying on the spot or anything. Sounds like your egg shells have become thin because your hens are not eating the oyster shells on the side since they're not used to it.

 

[Mosey2003]

True, most roosters don't live long enough to die from kidney damage caused by excess calcium. Or when they do randomly die, they aren't necropsied to know the cause. Personally, while I wouldn't have a coronary over my rooster eating layer for awhile, my entire operation goes smoothly with everyone on the same feed, so I feed a grower.

To the main query of the thread: there can be various causes for thin shells. Not enough calcium, yes, but also the age of the bird and the time of year can play parts.

 

[Mrs. K]

This shells are most likely a glitch. Everyone gets them once in a while, I think. I feed what I can get, and don't fret it too much.

Mrs K

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I feed an All Flock. Before when I fed a layer most of my roosters that are a layer died by age 4. Since I have switched my boys are living longer. I personally don't see thin shells, or really any weird shells on my eggs.

 

[janiedoe]

I started feeding All flock this past spring after my broody hatched some chicks. My hens NEVER ate the free choice oyster shell. Some of my egg shells were thin. I started feeding my big girls their egg shells. They love them and the eggs look great. My roosters will grab the shells when I throw them out, but they don't eat them, they just play chase. I don't cook or grind the shells. I haven't had any problems with egg breakers or egg eaters.

 

[Aceoky]

I used to feed layer to "everyone" but did have rooster issues; this time had them on starter/grower for 5-7 weeks then switched to 21% meatbird crumbles will give them free choice oyster shells around POL

 

[aart]

I have a rooster and was told that he should not be eating layer feed because of the high calcium content. I have since gone to feeding an All Flock Feed and supplementing with oyster shell so my layers get enough calcium. I have noticed that some eggs have very thin shells. The hens are approaching 2 years old so maybe that's the reason. What do you feed a flock of layers with a rooster?

The thin shells form your hens could be because of slowing production in preparation for molting, you can get some funky eggs around molting time.

How long since the feed change and OS addition?
I wouldn't panic too soon.

How are you providing the OS?
In a separate container?
Is any of it being eaten?

I also use FR with OS on the side, has worked good for me for 5 years now.
It can be a challenge to get the newly laying pullets to eat the OS,
(might be the same for your hens-they are just not used to it)
I sprinkle some out in the run to get them familiar with it.
Have also sprinkled some on top of feed, not much and not for long.