new to this, stupid questions

[mtnchooks]

Hi all, I have a mixed flock of 22 pullets and 5 roos, barred rock, buff orpington, rhode island reds, dark brahmas, make up the flock. they are all within a couple weeks in age, about 13 weeks old give or take as of this time. Built them a nice house/run, and let them out in the yard the last few hours of the evening to range a while, while i supervise watching out for hawks and coyotes and other predators. they seem to be doing great so far, from soaking up info here I gather i don't need to change their feed from grower to layer until i get the first eggs (can't wait), my first stupid question is this, they are all together , so when i put them on layer feed, does it matter to the roos? have no way to separate them at feeding. any adverse affects to the roos when feeding layer as only supplement to ranging? Thank you all, I am thrilled to be raising my flock and have already learned tons from y'all !!

 

[mrs buff laced]

Nope! As far as I know layer feed for the roosters will be just fine. We'd fed our chickens all the same and it doesn't have any bad effects on our flock

 

[mtnchooks]

thanks mrs buff!

 

[Pugsabi]

Welcome! I have no personal experience but I know some recommend feeding flock raiser with oyster shell on the side for mixed flocks.
There are no dumb questions. Better to ask now then when there is a worse problem.

 

[MagpieDucks]

Some roosters can have internal problems with layer food. Best to feed an all flock feed.

 

[drumstick diva]

agree with Pugsabi - Males .. have no need for extra calcium and neither do young pullets who are not laying eggs. For laying hens just put out a separate holder for crushed oyster shell as a calcium supplement. They will take of free choice as needed.

 

[BlackHackle]

Hi all, I have a mixed flock of 22 pullets and 5 roos, barred rock, buff orpington, rhode island reds, dark brahmas, make up the flock. they are all within a couple weeks in age, about 13 weeks old give or take as of this time. Built them a nice house/run, and let them out in the yard the last few hours of the evening to range a while, while i supervise watching out for hawks and coyotes and other predators. they seem to be doing great so far, from soaking up info here I gather i don't need to change their feed from grower to layer until i get the first eggs (can't wait), my first stupid question is this, they are all together , so when i put them on layer feed, does it matter to the roos? have no way to separate them at feeding. any adverse affects to the roos when feeding layer as only supplement to ranging? Thank you all, I am thrilled to be raising my flock and have already learned tons from y'all !!

I've had roosters grow as old as the trees on layer feed

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

 

[ronott1]

You will get different answers on this one! Research it and do what you are comfortable with