⠀ feeding roosters

[HarmonyOaks]

Dr. Roeder, I live high in the California Sierras. Our winters can be extreme with low temps and heavy snows. I deworm and debug every 8 weeks. My challenge is keeping my roosters in good condition. They eat well but still lose weight. I keep them separated from the hens, and feed them either All Flock or Game Bird Breeder. What would you suggest? These are show birds and ideally should weigh 11 pounds, so good feather quality and color is important. I am reluctant to add any more corn to their diet, and offering them a sweet feed such as All Stock/COB or Omalene was suggested by my local feed dealer. The hens will also lose weight, but it is negligible in comparison. Thanks for your help.

 

[DrMikelleRoeder]

I would recommend Flockraiser or Honor Show Chow Broiler feed. All-Flock products are a compromise -- given the very different nutritional requirements of different ages and species of poultry, is it usually a compromise that does not ideally meet the needs of any bird. Any breeder feed may have more calcium than a rooster requires. Show roosters in a cold climate will need plenty of energy, as well as excellent amino acid provision to maintain high-quality feathering. I would not advocate feeding products not designed for birds -- they will not have the complete range of vitamins and minerals in the correct amounts and ratios for birds. For instance, All-Stocks rarely contain any B vitamins, or at least any significant amounts, and COB products are simply grain. Subclinical deficiencies of important nutrients will negatively impact performance. Feed a high-quality product designed for poultry.

 

[HarmonyOaks]

thanks dr. roeder

 

[Happy Chooks]

I feed Flockraiser as suggested and don't have any issue with weight, male or female. I'm not to far from you either.