Rooster issue

[MysteryChicken]

I have crushed grit and they haven’t touched it in months. I do keep it out in case.

Yes, keep it out.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I do have grit available, (chick grit) they have zero interest. Also their run and coop are sand, plus I live on a sand pit and they free range during the day.

Chick grit is too small, it's almost like sand. Get poultry grit, it's mixed sizes for all poultry types.

 

[sourland]

Chick grit is too small, it's almost like sand. Get poultry grit, it's mixed sizes for all poultry types.

I agree.

 

[The Good Grumble]

I agree.

My coarse sand is fine for grit, despite that theyre offered it. I was asking why my rooster was interested in oyster shells, and if it would be okay to revert back to layer. His crop is 100% fine in the evening. Only my layers go to the oyster shell, the pullet do not. Then there is my weirdo Roo.

https://www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/sand-chicken-coop-bedding

 

[The Good Grumble]

Yes, keep it out.

I do, I have to ditch it every month or so because no one’s interested.

 

[WingItRanch]

My coarse sand is fine for grit, despite that theyre offered it. I was asking why my rooster was interested in oyster shells, and if it would be okay to revert back to layer. His crop is 100% fine in the evening. Only my layers go to the oyster shell, the pullet do not. Then there is my weirdo Roo.

https://www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/sand-chicken-coop-bedding

I wouldn't revert back to layer if it were me. I admit that it's weird that he's eating oyster shell but adding in layer feed will increase the calcium even more which wouldn't be good for him. Or the pullets.

 

[MysteryChicken]

My coarse sand is fine for grit, despite that theyre offered it. I was asking why my rooster was interested in oyster shells, and if it would be okay to revert back to layer. His crop is 100% fine in the evening. Only my layers go to the oyster shell, the pullet do not. Then there is my weirdo Roo.

https://www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/sand-chicken-coop-bedding

Blogs aren't always the best place to get information.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

My coarse sand is fine for grit, despite that theyre offered it. I was asking why my rooster was interested in oyster shells, and if it would be okay to revert back to layer. His crop is 100% fine in the evening. Only my layers go to the oyster shell, the pullet do not. Then there is my weirdo Roo.

https://www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/sand-chicken-coop-bedding

1. I would not feed layer feed to a flock that has any birds that are not laying. Whether they are pullets, old spent hens, molting birds or males. They don't need it and it can be bad for them. Feed an all-flock formula to everybody and supplement with oyster shell on the side so the laying hens can take what they need. Also get rid of the chick grit unless you have chicks under six months old and provide poultry grit in a separate container, that should solve the issue of your male(s) eating oyster shell.

2. The pullets will not eat oyster shell until they start laying so don't worry about it. They only need it when they start making egg shells and laying eggs.

 

[The Good Grumble]

1. I would not feed layer feed to a flock that has any birds that are not laying. Whether they are pullets, old spent hens, molting birds or males. They don't need it and it can be bad for them. Feed an all-flock formula to everybody and supplement with oyster shell on the side so the laying hens can take what they need. Also get rid of the chick grit unless you have chicks under six months old and provide poultry grit in a separate container, that should solve the issue of your male(s) eating oyster shell.

2. The pullets will not eat oyster shell until they start laying so don't worry about it. They only need it when they start making egg shells and laying eggs.

Thank you for answering my question, I can’t feed an all flock because almost every one has wheat, barley or something with gluten. I can’t risk ingesting it, as feed is so dusty! And a few years ago I did exactly this. So currently I only have two choices. I have scoured sources and short of making my own feed I’m stuck. One is back ordered, (my favorite grower crumble) and the other is a layer feed.

Do you think i can stretch my current supply if I do a 2/1 ratio with the layer feed? 2 cups grower crumble 1 cup layer?

At risk of sounding corny, I have all my eggs in one basket, and I’m getting worried. I have about 40lbs left for 9 chickens (bag and a 1/2)

 

[The Good Grumble]

Blogs aren't always the best place to get information.

She is amazing, and every thing she does is science based as she is also a researcher. I nerd out on webinars from the poultry science association lol, just watched a great one on The Gut in poultry health and disease.

I recommend her because she has some really interesting information for chicken nerds.

I’ve never had a rooster before. He’s an oopsie I fell in love with.