Layer feed with roosters?

[beccaWA]

Hi, there.

I'm a fairly experienced chicken and duck keeper, but have never had a rooster in my flock. I got an "accidental" cockerel with my pullet order this spring, so now I have four-month-old Rufus, a Buckeye.

My question is for those of you who keep roosters with your flock. What do you feed? I understand from reading that roosters should not eat layer feed on a regular basis, because it has too much calcium for their systems, and they cannot get rid of it.

Should I feed All-Flock/Flock Raiser and provide oyster shell for the ladies? Or just feed regular layer pellets and not worry about it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I feed an All Flock ration with a separate bowl of oyster shells. My rooster would often die by age 4 when fed a layer.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

First off... I think that if you have a rooster and layer feed it should be fine... although I feed mine all flock personally and my roosters have thrived! I would feed your flock ALL FLOCK! Secondly, you're SOOO lucky you've only had 1 rooster!
Good luck!

 

[Folly's place]

I like an all-flock feed for everyone too. I always have roosters, hens not laying right then, molting birds, and youngsters, so layer feed makes no sense.
Layer feed is meant to be fed to actively laying hens, and was developed for leghorns living in confinement, as their only diet. It's perfect for them! With a mixed flock, free ranging often, and assorted breeds, etc, it's not the best, IMO.
Mary

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I'm currently feeding my chickens, a rooster and hen, layer feed.

But maybe after the bag is done I will go the regular feed route with oyster shells on the side....... maybe. I just think people are making too big of a deal with roosters and layer feed, as if it's cyanide to them or something.

 

[lazy gardener]

I understand the worry about the extra calcium. However, I am not the least bit concerned about roos eating layer feed. Nor am I concerned about hens who are not currently laying eating layer feed. When I have chicks, the whole flock goes on un-medicated starter. When the chicks reach puberty (voice change) I finish out my current bag(s) of starter and put the whole flock on layer b/c it's easier on my wallet. I keep OS available at all times, regardless of what feed the birds are eating.

All of my feed is fermented.