Is layer feed safe for Roosters?

[Emily0918]

I want to feed my hens layer feed but I have heard that it can be bad for the rooster some people have told me it’s safe. What do I do?

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Layer feed isn't necessarily bad for roosters. Although, over long periods of time, it could cause them to get sick. I could be wrong, so I tagged some people that probably know. @sourland @21hens-incharge @MGG @CHlCKEN

 

[Aapomp831]

It is not good for roosters. The excess calcium builds up in their kidneys over time since they don’t lay eggs and can’t expel enough of it. Feed your flock Flock Raiser or All Flock; it has more protein and you can offer free choice oyster shell on the side for your laying hens. The rooster may eat a little but will generally be disinterested.

 

[21hens-incharge]

It is not good for roosters. The excess calcium builds up in their kidneys over time since they don’t lay eggs and can’t expel enough of it. Feed your flock Flock Raiser or All Flock; it has more protein and you can offer free choice oyster shell on the side for your laying hens. The rooster may eat a little but will generally be disinterested.

^^This^^ is my understanding as well.

I have several old hens that lay rarely if ever and feed flock raiser with oyster shell on the side.

 

[Emily0918]

It is not good for roosters. The excess calcium builds up in their kidneys over time since they don’t lay eggs and can’t expel enough of it. Feed your flock Flock Raiser or All Flock; it has more protein and you can offer free choice oyster shell on the side for your laying hens. The rooster may eat a little but will generally be disinterested.

Thank you so much l will be sure to do this

 

[Mellowmalt]

I fed my old rooster layer pellets and a wheat corn mix. The chickens would go for the layer pellets, the cock would go for the wheat and corn tray. They can tell what they need, the hens knew the layer feed was hgh in protein and the cck knew he prefered corn most of the time.
He ate abit of the layer feed but it was probably only 10% of his diet, he wouldn't stop his ladies getting all their protein first so to me it is absolutly fine as long as they get enough scratch to supplement the layer feed.

 

[emily_snow707]

I want to feed my hens layer feed but I have heard that it can be bad for the rooster some people have told me it’s safe. What do I do?

I’ve feed my roosters layer feed for my entire life and so have my parents. Never had any problems with it. I think your roosters will be fine.

 

[emily_snow707]

Thank you so much l will be sure to do this

Ive never had any of those problems

 

[Emily0918]

I’m going to feed all flock and have oyster shells on the said free of choice I don’t want to risk my rooster getting sick. Thank you everyone for all the help!