Newbie-How to care for roosters

[GotPez716]

Hi all! I'm brand new to having chickens and my husband's coworker just gave us 3 roosters. We have an existing coop that came with the house we just moved to, but I have no idea how to care for these guys. What do we feed them? How much? How often? My husband came home from the feed store with the only organic option they had, but it says that its a "layer complete 16 blend crumble." Well I know these guys aren't layers! Will this be ok to feed them though? I've also been giving them spinach and other random veggie scraps. Hubby also got a block of seed that's supposed to be a treat, and just sits in the coop? I don't know if we're doing this right at all! Please help!!

 

[Taterrtots]

Hello! I am so glad you posted this question. I am new to chickens too. I just switched the food for our chickens to Purina Layena Pellets, since they just turned 18 weeks. We have 20 chickens and 4 are roosters. We were also wondering if the roosters should have something else? What is recommended?
I also wanted to know about the grit and oyster shell. Do I just put 1/2 cup of each (does it need to be separated?) in a pie pan or dish and leave it out for them? I say 1/2 cup, not knowing for sure, since there are 20 of them (my thinking is just replace it as it empties- is that about right?) They have access to a large grassy area during the day, although they are not free ranging.
Thanks in advance for any and all advice/help.

 

[theoldchick]

If these rooster are to be pets you can feed them an assortment of foods. Mine enjoy wild bird seed mixed with kale, kudzu, occasional dry cat food and my culinary mistakes. However, roosters that are raised for food purposes can be fed 'grower' until time of processing. Having said that, these birds will enjoy an occasional snack of greens.

 

[pfields]

I put my bag of oyster shell around the base of a tree where they can all get to it.

4 roosters for 16 hens, way too many roosters, in my humble opinion. I have 1 rooster and 45 hens and get plenty of fertile eggs (to incubate) and he warns us of hawks, too. Your hens will be worn out from mating and it will begin to show on their wings and backs (feather loss). If your roosters get aggressive you'll need to be very careful entering the coop/run with that many.

My rooster eats the same thing the hens eat.

 

[bigt447]

Layer feed may lead to roosters having health problems because of more calcium than they need. Hens only need extra calcium to produce egg shells. Why organic? Try Purina 20% Flock Raiser.

 

[Taterrtots]

Too many roosters, lol. That's what we thought too. Trust me. We didn't plan it that way. They were all "supposed" to be hens.

I will watch for the "wear and tear" and see who goes out for adoption. Thanks for the advice.

 

[WYNot]

Why send the excess out for adoption? Send them to freezer camp.

 

[pfields]

I understand that, I got 2 with my purchase of 24 pullets from a local feed store in 2014. One died of paste butt the next day so I ended up with 21 pullets and 2 roosters. Both roosters turned mean, I sold the BA rooster and then the GSL rooster spurred me in 3 places so he got fed to the buzzards out in the pasture. Then in January I ordered 24 RIR pullets and 1 BO rooster from Ideal and I got 2 RIR roosters as peanuts. I gave both of them away since I've read and heard they can be mean. I keep a close eye on my BO rooster for signs of changing behavior. My other two didn't start out mean, and then one day the BA became very aggressive and after he was gone the GSL rooster took his place and was worse.

Good luck with the roos!

 

[beehumblewithme.com]

I read not to feed them oyster shells that chicken,shells are fine. I just got 2 roosters and will be adding chickens. Some brown the shells but then others dont. I hope we'll be successful at this. Ha ha we'll see!

Hello! I am so glad you posted this question. I am new to chickens too. I just switched the food for our chickens to Purina Layena Pellets, since they just turned 18 weeks. We have 20 chickens and 4 are roosters. We were also wondering if the roosters should have something else? What is recommended?
I also wanted to know about the grit and oyster shell. Do I just put 1/2 cup of each (does it need to be separated?) in a pie pan or dish and leave it out for them? I say 1/2 cup, not knowing for sure, since there are 20 of them (my thinking is just replace it as it empties- is that about right?) They have access to a large grassy area during the day, although they are not free ranging.
Thanks in advance for any and all advice/help.

 

[beehumblewithme.com]

Glad you posted this. We just got 2 Roosters and I'll be getting and adding chickens in a few weeks. Luckily my husband works at a feed mill and makes it or I would have no idea what to feed them! I hope to be successful at this as I'm a newbie to! Welcome! I have a bunch of raisins wonder if they can have them for a treat! Birdseeds a trear I read to! I'm Vicky in Whitley City Ky!

Hi all! I'm brand new to having chickens and my husband's coworker just gave us 3 roosters. We have an existing coop that came with the house we just moved to, but I have no idea how to care for these guys. What do we feed them? How much? How often? My husband came home from the feed store with the only organic option they had, but it says that its a "layer complete 16 blend crumble." Well I know these guys aren't layers! Will this be ok to feed them though? I've also been giving them spinach and other random veggie scraps. Hubby also got a block of seed that's supposed to be a treat, and just sits in the coop? I don't know if we're doing this right at all! Please help!!