Layer Feed OK for Cockerels?

[KWestVA]

My pullet and cockerels eat from the same communal food dish. Blondie just started laying eggs. If I replace the Manna Pro All Flock Crumbles with a layer formula, will that be disadvantages to the cockerels?

 

[CherishedFowlGuardian]

Feeding a rooster layer feed might seem fine, but it can actually be harmful for him. Layer feed is made for hens that lay eggs and has a lot of calcium to help them form strong eggshells. Roosters don’t need that extra calcium, and too much of it can damage their kidneys over time. This can make them weak or even shorten their lives.

A better choice for mixed flocks is all flock feed, which works for both hens and roosters. It has the right balance of protein and nutrients without the extra calcium. If you’re feeding all your chickens the same feed, you can simply add a separate bowl of crushed eggshells or oyster shells on the side. The hens will eat it when they need more calcium for their eggs, and the roosters will leave it alone. This keeps everyone healthy and happy without risking the rooster’s health.

 

[KWestVA]

Thank you so much - that's exactly what I needed to know!!

 

[KWestVA]

Feeding a rooster layer feed might seem fine, but it can actually be harmful for him. Layer feed is made for hens that lay eggs and has a lot of calcium to help them form strong eggshells. Roosters don’t need that extra calcium, and too much of it can damage their kidneys over time. This can make them weak or even shorten their lives.

A better choice for mixed flocks is all flock feed, which works for both hens and roosters. It has the right balance of protein and nutrients without the extra calcium. If you’re feeding all your chickens the same feed, you can simply add a separate bowl of crushed eggshells or oyster shells on the side. The hens will eat it when they need more calcium for their eggs, and the roosters will leave it alone. This keeps everyone healthy and happy without risking the rooster’s health.

I use food-grade diatomaceous earth as an ant deterrent. Do you know if this can be safely used as a calcium source? I would still put it in a food bowl - just looking for multitasking opportunities!

 

[StinkyAcres]

I use food-grade diatomaceous earth as an ant deterrent. Do you know if this can be safely used as a calcium source? I would still put it in a food bowl - just looking for multitasking opportunities!

No, diatomaceous earth should not be fed to them. It is a respiratory irritant, especially for animals with sensitive respiratory systems like birds. Crushed or flaked oyster shell is what they need.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Here is the thing about roosters. They are male.

Females are born with value, be it hens or homo sapiens. Potential for offspring.

Males are born with little value, any value a male gains has to be earned usually the hard way. Skills, bravery, earning a fortune.

Societies at their hearts treat males the same be they men or feathered, only need a few, they cause a lot of problems, only need a few to survive becomes the standard. I'd say the vast percentage of male chicks born never survive the sorting and wind up in a hammer mill.

With that said, with the surplus of roosters in most communities, to where people give them away, why does the diet of a rooster matter?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

why does the diet of a rooster matter?

This is an interesting question. I had a rooster for several years. He was a very good guy, both to his hens and to me. Everywhere he went, he had a little flock of groupies surrounding him. They loved him. At night the hens that could not sleep next to him, slept under him in the poop trays (which of course I kept clean). I never had to worry about him attacking me, he was most respectful. Just a great guy, everything you want and hope for in a rooster. I wanted him to live a long, healthy life. And he did.

THAT is why I don't feed layer feed to my chickens.

But it's not just about the roosters. There are often other non-layers in a flock. Some may be molting. Some may be too old to lay. Others, too young, as I rotate new ones in. I can't constantly be juggling feed around, or trying to tailor the feed for this bird or that one, that's ridiculous! All-flock meets everyone's needs, all the time, as long as there is oyster shell always available.

 

[KWestVA]

Here is the thing about roosters. They are male.

Females are born with value, be it hens or homo sapiens. Potential for offspring.

Males are born with little value, any value a male gains has to be earned usually the hard way. Skills, bravery, earning a fortune.

Societies at their hearts treat males the same be they men or feathered, only need a few, they cause a lot of problems, only need a few to survive becomes the standard. I'd say the vast percentage of male chicks born never survive the sorting and wind up in a hammer mill.

With that said, with the surplus of roosters in most communities, to where people give them away, why does the diet of a rooster matter?

Well, I for one value my beautiful, fascinating roosters quite a bit!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Well, I for one value my beautiful, fascinating roosters quite a bit!

I value males of the human variety as well, like my dad, brother and husband. Feeding them delicious, healthy meals gives me great joy.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Well written answers to a philosophical question. The value of an individual surpasses the value of the many.