Rooster and illness

[redlink1255]

Hi there, I have had two roosters in my time, both have died young and I have not known why. My hens have not succumbed to whatever killed my roosters. Last year I lost my 3 year old Americana Cross rooster..he seemed perfectly well and then was a bit quiet for two days and then died in my arms. After him, I got another young rooster, this time an Austrolorpe and last week he did exactly the same, he was only 18 months old..I am at a loss as to know why they both died and my hens are perfectly fine. I wonder if I am missing something in their diet? or do roosters get illnesses that hens don't? they were both quiet and subdued before they died. Any ideas or has any one else had this happen to them. I love my roosters and now I am dubious about going out and getting another one. thanks Chris

 

[Judy]

Welcome to BYC!

I'd say you just had bad luck.

However, layer feed isn't the best feed for roosters; the calcium eventually is harmful to their organs. Obviously they usually live longer than that, barring predators, but I also get the impression from reading here that they don't live as long as hens do, in general. Many people keep their roosters with their hens, of course, so those roosters are eating layer.

I hope your next roo does better. I love hearing and watching my roos.