Feeding Roosters

[Wol1]

Has anybody found any studies about what to feed males that are not broilers? I have found ONE reference and that was only for energy requirements of male broiler-type breeders. Obviously low calcium, but I've seen protein requirements from 12% to 20%. I'm currently feeding grower/finisher with 16% protein to them as a compromise since they are only 19 weeks and still growing

But it bothers me to be merely guessing.

 

[Chick Charm]

16% finisher is good for them. I wouldn't fret over that. Flock Raiser is also good. With flock raiser, hens need supplemental calcium.

There are many flocks with roosters that are fed layer pellets and they seem to manage a healthy flock as well.

These are not studies from anyone other than myself.

Wish ya the best.

 

[Chris09]

Has anybody found any studies about what to feed males that are not broilers? I have found ONE reference and that was only for energy requirements of male broiler-type breeders. Obviously low calcium, but I've seen protein requirements from 12% to 20%. I'm currently feeding grower/finisher with 16% protein to them as a compromise since they are only 19 weeks and still growing

But it bothers me to be merely guessing.

There isn't really studies done on roosters other than broilers mostly because big egg farms don't keep roosters.
The main thing you have to watch is the calcium amount in the feed, high amounts of calcium is hard on any non-laying fowl this include chicks, growing stock, roosters, and hens that are not laying do to environment, molt, illness etc.

Was there something that you was looking for?

 

[bustedchicks]

Haven't raised chickens for very long but noticed that my rooster eats when he needs it but eats less at a time.
From my understanding the rooster searches for food, eats a bit, crows to tell the hens where the food is, stands guard then off finding more food. From that I believe a higher protein is needed to keep up an active lifestyle.

 

[Wol1]

Thanks everyone for the info.

 

[ChickenLeg]

I just give my free range roosters a constant supply of oats as a treat beside their waterer, they've always done fine finding their own food. I use to keep flock raiser with them, but they seem to perfer the grass and insects over the feed any day.

On another note, my breeders who are housed with the hens do fine eating the layer pellets

 

[Wol1]

Thanks! I'm feeling better and better. Low calcium and moderate protein supplemented by foraging.