How to introduce hens

[KaOsFarm]

I think I'm going to pass on the 20 chickens.
Someone dropped a rooster off in one of my stalls while I was away for the weekend.He's alone and I don't want him to get lonely and I'm really not set up for a rooster at all but I figure I'd keep him. He is very BIG. He's massive in my newbie opinion. I don't even think he is going to fit through the door to the coop. But he's not eating much and I've tried feeding him grain. What can I feed him? I really don't want him staying in the stall for too long. He doesn't seem happy.
He is a Lemon Coco Orpington.

 

[aart]

What can I feed him? I really don't want him staying in the stall for too long. He doesn't seem happy.
He is a Lemon Coco Orpington.

What are you feeding your other birds?
Got a pic of this cockbird?
I'd check him over real good for pests.....diseases you won't be able to see.


I like to feed a flock raiser/starter/grower/finisher type feed with 20% protein crumble full time to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat. I do grind up the crumbles (in the blender) for the chicks for the first week or so.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer. I adjust the amounts of other feeds to get the protein levels desired with varying situations.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (a freshly trapped mouse, mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided once in while and during molting and/or if I see any feather eating.

 

[KaOsFarm]

Okay right now they are eating Poulin Grain layer pellet. It has a 16.5% protein and 4.5% calcium. Can I buy pre made oyster shell stuff?
The rooster is very nervous and won't let me near him much. I'm giving him full range of the barn right now. The hens don't come into the barn. He seems friendly enough. Or at least respectful.
And for the calcium how fine should the shells be? And can I feed them goat milk as their source of calcium. We have it warm daily.

 

[aart]

Don't think goat milk would be a good idea.
I buy oyster shell at the farm store in 50# bag that will last me probably a year.

I like to feed a flock raiser/starter/grower/finisher type feed with 20% protein crumble full time to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat. I do grind up the crumbles (in the blender) for the chicks for the first week or so.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer. I adjust the amounts of other feeds to get the protein levels desired with varying situations.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (a freshly trapped mouse, mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided once in while and during molting and/or if I see any feather eating.

 

[KaOsFarm]

What company do you buy from? Is there any ingredients I should stay away from? I don't think my store has oyster shells. I will have to look into that.

 

[Molpet]

I feed everyone grower w/oyster shells on the side
https://www.ruralking.com/oyster-shells-50-lb-bag.html
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dumor-oyster-shell-5-lb