Rooster.....layer feed?

[sloanbychoice]

So, I probably should have asked this before... didn’t really think about it. I have 17 hens and recently got a rooster. Should he eat the same foods they do?
Specifically, the layer feed?

 

[HAPPYCHICKENLADY17]

So, I probably should have asked this before... didn’t really think about it. I have 17 hens and recently got a rooster. Should he eat the same foods they do?
Specifically, the layer feed?

i feed mine flock raiser....the hens love it too....i always have crushed egg shells and oyster shells available...some times my roos eats layena pellets

 

[ChickNanny13]

I feed Flock Raiser ... Layer is higher in calcium, Roos & chicks can/may over load on it causing liver/kidney issues. Some say it's not a problem but I tend to go with better safe than sorry. There's also All Flock feed and Multi Feed ... I do offer Oyster Shells in a separate dish for whomever needs/wants it, also separate dish of grit. I've never had any issues with laying nor egg shell's being thin.

 

[Fluffnut]

I gave mine layer feed and they seemed to enjoy it. If you are raising a roo for show or high end breeding, you may want to give him a special diet but if he's just for ordinary backyard chickening, the layer feed is fine. Flock feed works as well.
Edit- you shouldn't feed chicks layer feed though, as ChickNanny13 said

 

[Cryss]

Their bodies don’t process calcium well. Layer feeds are geared toward commercial egg production where only females of egg laying age are raised. Underage pullets and roosters really shouldn’t hav calcium. That’s why flock raiser feed is sold, to raise flock families of various ages and genders. Oyster shell is sold to be offered on the side. Roosters and young birds won’t be interested in it but egg layers in the flock will.

 

[Sequel]

@Cryss said it very well. Layer food is for hens actively laying. If your flock has males, older hens who aren’t laying regularly or younger ones not laying yet then an all flock type food is best imho. It is so easy to have one feed for everyone and just offer oyster shells on the side in its own dish. That and usually the all flocks are a little higher in protein. Helps a lot when they molt. Layer food is cheaper but not much.
I think people are led to believe that layer food is a must for hens to lay eggs. I have a small flock and try to do my best for all so I use all flock type feed. I just found Purina Flock Raiser at a closer feed store than the one I was buying Nutrena Naturewise All Flock for less money! So I’m happy about that!
Freshness is really important though so check the mill date on the bag before you take it home. You can buy the most highly rated feed in the world but if it’s a year old it’s not good. I’m not sure when it’s considered old, I just look for it to be within a month or two. Good luck with your flock!

 

[sloanbychoice]

Thank you everyone!

When we got these ladies as chicks, we had them on starter something or another.
People said to change them to layer feed once they started laying, so we did. That’s what they’ve had ever since.

We don’t have any younger girls any more, but when I noticed the new rooster doesn’t seem to eat much of it, I started wondering if it wasn’t right for him.

I appreciate the feedback!!

 

[Cryss]

Yes, unless you are raising only actively laying birds like commercial companies you never need layer feed. When having mixed backyard flocks you need a feed that is compatible for all members, then add side dishes for those members that need additional nutritional ingredients.

 

[chickens really]

I feed Grower finisher feed and supply Oyster shell in a separate bowl.

 

[Trevorusn]

Because of my 3 fellas I use either Nutrena All-Flock or similar feed from Blue Seal. Both are 20% protein and my eggs come out with great shells.