Flock Raiser for your layers?

[floridagirl13]

I was wondering if anyone is using flock raiser for their layers? If so, how is that working for them?

 

[floridagirl13]

Right now I just have one cockerel and one pullet but I am in the market for more ladies, possibly another roo in the future. I just don't want to have to buy 2 kinds of feed just because I have 1 roo. I can't imagine layer feed being great for him but buying a 50 lb bag of feed for one bird has bad idea written all over it. So if I were to get flock raiser and provide oyster/egg shell for them would that be a better idea? The closest feed store ( and the cheaper of the 2 nearby) doesn't carry anything smaller than the 50 lb bags. So I'm in a bit of a pickle...

 

[dawnpel]

Wish I could help you but I am new to chickens....I didn't even know Roos couldn't eat the same feed as hens!!! LOL

 

[Zanna]

Right now I just have one cockerel and one pullet but I am in the market for more ladies, possibly another roo in the future. I just don't want to have to buy 2 kinds of feed just because I have 1 roo. I can't imagine layer feed being great for him but buying a 50 lb bag of feed for one bird has bad idea written all over it. So if I were to get flock raiser and provide oyster/egg shell for them would that be a better idea? The closest feed store ( and the cheaper of the 2 nearby) doesn't carry anything smaller than the 50 lb bags. So I'm in a bit of a pickle...

You can feed layer feed or flock raiser with oyster shell on the side, either will not hurt your roo or hens. If you have young ones in your flock probably the flock raiser is the way to go.

 

[MrsBachbach]

Roosters can eat layer feed. Mine have been eating it for years. It has had no ill effects.

 

[floridagirl13]

The 2 I have now are about 3 1/2 to 4 months, I'm also expecting a few ladies around 8 or 9 months of age.

Thank you! I thought the amount of calcium in the layer feed might be too much for him. They've been on the medicated start & grow and I just introduced the layer feed in a separate feeder and it seems almost like my little roo prefers the layer to the start & grow now.

 

[humphrey farms]

You can feed layer feed or flock raiser with oyster shell on the side, either will not hurt your roo or hens. If you have young ones in your flock probably the flock raiser is the way to go.

That's what I do. Just add free lib oyster shell.

 

[floridagirl13]

awesome! its time to pick up more feed so thats great to know! i like the idea of using flock raiser, i guess now it just depends on how much it costs vs. the layer feed. also, i told my fiance to save his egg shells so we can crush & feed out those, he proposed going to the seafood dept. of our grocery store and asking for their leftover oyster shells since they display the oysters in half shells. is this feasible?

 

[CedarAcres]

I use flock raiser mixed with layer, in a 50/50 mix. I like them to have higher protein than the 16% layer, so I figure mixed with 20% flock raiser the protein should be around 18%. I add oystershell on the side for the hens in case they need it. I just take 50lb bag of each and mix them.

 

[floridagirl13]

if my feed store had smaller bags of feed i would be mixing, but they only carry the 50 lb bags, i only have 2 birds now and expecting 3 more layers. i will have to chat with the owners and ask them how often they have to re-stock their supplies.