Rooster feeding

[Threewyandottes]

Hello,

Can roosters be fed layer's feed?

Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I recommend they don't. I feed my flock an All Flock ration with a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs.

 

[sylviethecochin]

They shouldn't be fed it, because the calcium can built up in their kidneys and cause problems. Also, gout, etc.

I will admit that at various points during my life, there has been only layer feed going to the flock due to reasons of supply, cost, or what feed ran out first.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

I feed all my chickens flock raiser (all flock or grower works too) because excess calcium can be harmful to any non-laying birds if fed for long term.

 

[Threewyandottes]

ok then.... i'll feed them all flock feed with oyster shell for the hens seperate.

Thanks!

 

[Threewyandottes]

can hens be fed egg shells for calcium?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

can hens be fed egg shells for calcium?

Yes, but they should still have access to free choice oyster shells.

 

[Threewyandottes]

Ok thanks

 

[Threewyandottes]

so i did some research and found that roos can be fed layer feed as long as no EXTRA calcium supplements like oyster shells are mixed in.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My roosters that were fed a layer were often dead by 4 years. Since I stopped they are living much longer. Plenty of folks claim they don't have a problem but many of them haven't keep roosters long enough to tell, nor enough roosters to notice. They are your chickens, feed them how you like.