What do roosters eat?

[alexa009]

I've been meaning to ask this for quite a while just in case I ever got any roosters and now I have one from hatching chicks in November. Eventually when the ten week old pullets grow it will be time for layer feed and I don't know if the rooster can have it. Isn't it only for chickens who are laying eggs? I wouldn't want it to harm the rooster because I know it harms chicks and even goats. I would like all of your guys opinions. Thanks!

 

[Chickassan]

I just use an flock raiser feed with supplemental calcium on the side for the girls. If it's not available and layer ration is my only choice "it happens" then everyone eats it. Not ideal when that happens but i don't think it's enough to damage the rooster. Although if he had his rathers he'd eat layer pellets everyday.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings alexa009,

Roosters have the same nutritional needs as the hens, minus the higher level of calcium.

Because the hens require a higher calcium level to lay strong egg shells, the thinking is that you must have that extra calcium in the feed. But, if you have roosters or even retired hens that don't lay eggs anymore, this can be a nutritional pitfall.

So as Chickassan says, flock raiser or an equivalent, is a great way to provide the basic nutritional needs of the flock and then put out some oyster shell for the hens that are laying.

As for the rooster - I am by no means an avian nutritionist, but in observing my roosters over the years, I have come to realize that they do have some special nutritional needs in comparison to the hens.

My current rooster works all day, patrolling the yard, crowing to let other roosters know he is on duty, he even plays with the cats and hangs out and runs with the dog. All this takes a lot of energy. And because he is larger with more muscle mass than the girls, I supplement my rooster's diet with: a bit of scratch, wild bird seed for fats, fresh cooked grains, a little extra fruit, and a bit of extra meat protein or meal worms, different things on different days. I accomplish this by taking him out of the pen in the morning, so that I can feed him separately from the girls. Three days a week the rooster doesn't get his special meal, on these days, the entire flock is treated to this extra meal, which they love. Also, the entire flock gets fresh greens, fruit and other vegies, about 4 days a week, 5 days in the Summer. None of my chickens are overweight, in fact my rooster, a Rhode Island Red, is the standard weight for his breed.

He will be turning four this March, and has done very well on this diet. His feathers are so beautiful, like glass! He is happy and energetic, and very healthy.

Your rooster will do fine on a basic mixed flock feed. But, additional calories and nutrients may be required based on the harshness of the terrain, weather, age and activity level of your rooster. So as his keeper, it is up to you to determine what and how much, additional food he needs.

These are my thoughts and experiences with nutrition for roosters, I hope they are helpful to you.

God Bless

Mr. Frito, he loves it when I take his picture, what a ham!

 

[alexa009]

Greetings alexa009,

Roosters have the same nutritional needs as the hens, minus the higher level of calcium.

Because the hens require a higher calcium level to lay strong egg shells, the thinking is that you must have that extra calcium in the feed. But, if you have roosters or even retired hens that don't lay eggs anymore, this can be a nutritional pitfall.

So as Chickassan says, flock raiser or an equivalent, is a great way to provide the basic nutritional needs of the flock and then put out some oyster shell for the hens that are laying.

As for the rooster - I am by no means an avian nutritionist, but in observing my roosters over the years, I have come to realize that they do have some special nutritional needs in comparison to the hens.

My current rooster works all day, patrolling the yard, crowing to let other roosters know he is on duty, he even plays with the cats and hangs out and runs with the dog. All this takes a lot of energy. And because he is larger with more muscle mass than the girls, I supplement my rooster's diet with: a bit of scratch, wild bird seed for fats, fresh cooked grains, a little extra fruit, and a bit of extra meat protein or meal worms, different things on different days. I accomplish this by taking him out of the pen in the morning, so that I can feed him separately from the girls. Three days a week the rooster doesn't get his special meal, on these days, the entire flock is treated to this extra meal, which they love. Also, the entire flock gets fresh greens, fruit and other vegies, about 4 days a week, 5 days in the Summer. None of my chickens are overweight, in fact my rooster, a Rhode Island Red, is the standard weight for his breed.

He will be turning four this March, and has done very well on this diet. His feathers are so beautiful, like glass! He is happy and energetic, and very healthy.

Your rooster will do fine on a basic mixed flock feed. But, additional calories and nutrients may be required based on the harshness of the terrain, weather, age and activity level of your rooster. So as his keeper, it is up to you to determine what and how much, additional food he needs.

These are my thoughts and experiences with nutrition for roosters, I hope they are helpful to you.

God Bless

Mr. Frito, he loves it when I take his picture, what a ham!
View attachment 1253988

Thank you so much for your information! It was really helpful to me! I will try this with my chickens also, I already have been feeding the older chickens blueberries and rasberries. I will have to follow your opinion with my little roo and pullets. Thanks so much, your rooster does look beautiful!
God Bless you too!