You want to feed a grower or a starter until they are laying.
A layer feed is made specially for birds that are laying regularly and daily needing the extra calcium to make an egg shell. For a bird that is not laying eggs frequently (roosters, young birds, molting birds, breeds that lay less frequently, etc) it has too much calcium which can cause long term health problems. Some people just go ahead a feed layer to their roosters for convenance but it is really not the right balance of nutrition for a mixed flock.
I personally would feed a grower, non medicated starter, game bird, flock raiser, etc that has a lower amount of calcium. Provide a calcium source always available separately. If the calcium is separate the birds will eat it as needed. If it is mixed in, they have no choice.
I would avoid layer for your young birds in the future. The negative effects are greater at a young age.
A layer feed is made specially for birds that are laying regularly and daily needing the extra calcium to make an egg shell. For a bird that is not laying eggs frequently (roosters, young birds, molting birds, breeds that lay less frequently, etc) it has too much calcium which can cause long term health problems. Some people just go ahead a feed layer to their roosters for convenance but it is really not the right balance of nutrition for a mixed flock.
I personally would feed a grower, non medicated starter, game bird, flock raiser, etc that has a lower amount of calcium. Provide a calcium source always available separately. If the calcium is separate the birds will eat it as needed. If it is mixed in, they have no choice.
I would avoid layer for your young birds in the future. The negative effects are greater at a young age.
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