New guy with a quick?

[Reignman]

Hi all, new to the board and had a quick? regarding feeding. We have 4 hens who have just started laying (2 RIR, 1 Brown Leghorn, and 1 red sexlink). We just introduced a Blue Cochin/Buff Orp. rooster to the mix, and it's worked out great. My question is we were feeding the hens a layer blend feed, is it ok to feed the rooster the same, or should he be getting something different? They are kept in a run so they do not free range. They also get lots of fresh veggies from the garden as well. Thanks!

 

[Tropical Chook]

For what it's worth, all my birds get the same feed. Mine do free range, but they have only been doing so for the last two and a half to three months. Before that, they were all in a run and fed the same diet. As much as what people advocate "layer" feed, I don't think it's much different to regular feed, apart from a little added calcium. I don't even use layer feed anymore, and I'm yet to get a thin shelled egg.

 

[tammyd57]

Since a grown rooster will normally eat a whole lot less than a hen who is laying an egg every day, the extra calcium in layer feed shouldn't have any effects on him. Whenever I have just one or two roosters in with the laying hens, they eat what the hens eat.

 

[Crabella]

You will enjoy this website. Tons of helpful people to answer any questions you have. You will be sure to do a lot of

and

.

 

[33yardbirds]

The guys get the same as the hens, They are as big as tanks, they all get BOSS and scratch, plus alot of range time.

 

[pgpoultry]

I don't ever use layers pellets, just give regular corn and feed and some calcium supplements....baked and broken up egg shells, cuttlefish bone and free range forage.

sandie