Mixed flock feed

[NatJ]

Is it terrible to feed layer feed to roosters and drakes?

Layer feed has more calcium than other feeds for chickens or ducks.

Offering it to males or to partly-grown birds is not terrible, but there is some chance of the calcium hurting them (damage to their kidneys if they eat it for weeks or months or years).

Im rattling my brain on the best way to feed a mixed flock of chickens and ducks, various ages.

I think @rosemarythyme has given the best solution:

All flock or flock raiser which is formulated for all poultry will be fine for chicks, ducklings, and adult birds of both genders.

Make sure there is also a dish of oyster shell, so the laying females can get the extra calcium they need, and they should all be fine.

 

[3KillerBs]

All flock or flock raiser which is formulated for all poultry will be fine for chicks, ducklings, and adult birds of both genders.

Just what I was going to say!

My practice, based on advice given here, is to feed one bag of medicated chick starter either until it's gone or until they move to the coop (depends on the number of chicks), then switch to all-flock crumble if they're too small to eat pellets.

All older chicks, pullets, cockerels, hens, and roosters get all-flock feed with calcium on the side.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I usually recommend that the typical backyard owner, of the typical backyard flock, with typical backyard management practices feed an All Flock/Flock Raiser* type crumble to all their birds, all their lives, with free choice grit, osyter shell, and fresh clean water available at all times in seperate dishes. Without regard to age, gender, onset of of lay, condition of molt, etc.

*Essentially an 18-20% protein, 3.5% fat+/-, 1.5% calcium +/-, 3.5% fiber +/- feed, preferably with about .6% Phosphorus, at least .35% Methionine, and .7% Lysine.

Because its easy for you, and its good nutrition for them.

All of my adult birds - chickens and ducks - get exactly the same feed, which happens to be 20% protein. I feed my youngsters a higher protein mix for their first 6-8 weeks (basically, until they join the adult flock) as I have facilites to separate the flocks. My reasons for that are complicated, its not something I recommend for everyone. But All Flock, all the time, for all the birds of all the genders is a safe and easy way to raise chickens, ducks, geese. Doing something different has limited benefits in limited conditions, and should only be considered after weighing all practical options.

My flock is in my Sig, below. You can see the results of me feed regimen here.