Lets talk about layer feed...

[Shamo Hybrid]

If you have many roosters around with your hens, then sure, you could buy 2 separate feeds.... but if you have like 100 hens and just 1 rooster, it just doesn't make sense to buy two separate feeds for. I'm no nutrition expert or anything but I think that although layer feed has a higher calcium content, it's not to the point where it's overly-excessive..... not enough to actually KILL your rooster. If that was the case then there would be labels all over layer feed to warn of such dangers....... BUT THERE ISN'T!! In which case I'm sure the manufacturers of these layer feed know it wouldn't cause too much damage because if it did, I'm sure they would have covered their ass's with warning labels plastered all over knowing how people will sue anyone for anything these days. So in conclusion, personally, I see no problem with feeding layer to roosters, but to each their own.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you have many roosters around with your hens, then sure, you could buy 2 separate feeds.... but if you have like 100 hens and just 1 rooster, it just doesn't make sense to buy two separate feeds for. I'm no nutrition expert or anything but I think that although layer feed has a higher calcium content, it's not to the point where it's overly-excessive..... not enough to actually KILL your rooster. If that was the case then there would be labels all over layer feed to warn of such dangers....... BUT THERE ISN'T!! In which case I'm sure the manufacturers of these layer feed know it wouldn't cause too much damage because if it did, I'm sure they would have covered their ass's with warning labels plastered all over knowing how people will sue anyone for anything these days. So in conclusion, personally, I see no problem with feeding layer to roosters, but to each their own.

Well, if you bother to read the feeding instructions on the feed bag, it says that specifically.
If you're admittedly not a nutrition expert, why would you continue to misinform people that it isn't a problem?
I guess it is a matter of semantics.
Usually the feeding instructions have wording to the effect - "feed layer feed free-choice as the sole ration to free-range and confined laying chickens (including backyard egg producers, small to medium breeds and fancy and exotic breeds) after 18 weeks of age and throughout the laying cycle".
Laying hens are chickens and roosters are chickens but roosters aren't laying hens.
The statement "throughout the laying cycle" also implies by deductive reasoning that it shouldn't even be fed to hens when not laying.
It isn't the responsibility of the producer to spell it out any more clearly than that.
If one doesn't know that a rooster isn't a laying hen, that issue goes beyond the scope of the feed producer's need to inform.

Depending on one's situation and management techniques, it shouldn't be necessary to buy different feeds.

 

[RoosterML]

@ChickenCanoe with you seeming to be a strong advocate for low calcium levels in mixed flocks and providing some nice research data while subjective I made the switch today.
Purchased a bag of Poulins Grower 15% protein along with Poulins Quick Grow Broiler 20% protein. Mixed them together and there you have it my new feed "package".

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You may want to edit that. Those are crude protein percentages, not calcium.
And I imagine neither grower feed would be high in calcium.

 

[GreenMountainEric]

@ChickenCanoe with you seeming to be a strong advocate for low calcium levels in mixed flocks and providing some nice research data while subjective I made the switch today.
Purchased a bag of Poulins Grower 15% calcium along with Poulins Quick Grow Broiler 20% calcium. Mixed them together and there you have it my new feed "package".

The 15% and 20% protein grower feeds mixed together, with some free choice oyster shell, should work really nicely.

 

[RoosterML]

You may want to edit that. Those are crude protein percentages, not calcium.

Oops on it

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Oops on it

It's OK, I've done it too when I didn't reread before I hit the post button and wanted to get the info out there in a hurry.

 

[RoosterML]

The 15% and 20% protein grower feeds mixed together, with some free choice oyster shell, should work really nicely.

That's what I have now. Only thing I don't like is the 20% is crumbles.

 

[RoosterML]

The 15% and 20% protein grower feeds mixed together, with some free choice oyster shell, should work really nicely.

I did price out the GM while I was at the feed store. I think the price is very good for your product compared to other organic brands unfortunately I am just not into the whole organic side of things.

 

[GreenMountainEric]

I did price out the GM while I was at the feed store. I think the price is very good for your product compared to other organic brands unfortunately I am just not into the whole organic side of things.

I appreciate that you checked it out!