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Excellent deduction.If layer feed’s higher calcium levels are detrimental to non laying chicks, and is not generally used for meat birds either, would it possibly have a negative effect on a rooster in with the hens for breeding?
Older hens tend to lay eggs with thinner shells irrespective of the calcium availability.Wow! The wealth of knowledge here is amazing... thanks for all the detailed responses. I’m wondering if maybe I should mix some layer feed and starter or broiler grower feed when my flock gets old enough to lay? To reduce the calcium intake of my roo’s, that is. My feed store doesn’t carry a general flock feed or broiler ration, just starter crumbles and layer pellets, crumbles, and mash. I will also offer the oyster shells free choice. I added that in with the older layers on the farm when I noticed that some of their shells were getting thin (they are very old hens!).
I’ll check the bags for the calcium amounts in the layer feed when my mother gets up here to help me build my chicken tractor today. Extra pair of hands always makes putting everything together a bit easier!
I didn’t know that could be a problem! I’ll have to watch for it when my flock gets to laying age. My boys will be the first roosters on the farm in over 30 years... the last one was apparently a mean, human aggressive jerk; and I have basically no chicken knowledge, so this site is a blessing.I’m feeding layer feed because if I feed oyster shell my rooster eats it like crazy. He thinks it’s a awesome treat .