What to feed my roos?

[jason4amanda]

I have 12 hens and 3 roosters, some hens just started laying eggs, so I changed the feed to laying chicken feed. What about the roos? What do they eat? I also bought oyster shells 4 the hens. This is my first time having chickens and I'm not sure what I'm doing. I did hatch 11 of the 15. I have learned up until they lay eggs.

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Roosters are completely ok eating layer feed. Shouldn't cause any problems. I have 3 roo guys and they all live on layer crumbles. The hens probably will pick at the oyster shells, but not the roosters. At least, I haven't seen mine touch them

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

For a mixed flock the best feed program is an all flock type feed which avoids giving the males excess calcium which can cause significant damage....offer calcium on the side (the oyster shell you have) for the laying birds to take as needed. Layer feed is not nutritionally appropriate for any birds not laying due to gender, age, etc

 

[GldnValleyHens]

For a mixed flock the best feed program is an all flock type feed which avoids giving the males excess calcium which can cause significant damage....offer calcium on the side (the oyster shell you have) for the laying birds to take as needed. Layer feed is not nutritionally appropriate for any birds not laying due to gender, age, etc

This is technically true, but I haven't found it necessary for my flock.

 

[jason4amanda]

What would be a good mixed feed

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

What would be a good mixed feed

I use Purina Flock Raiser. I've also used Dumor Grower. Both have about 1% calcium and both can be got at Tractor Supply.

Calcium in layer feed is about 3.5%, which apparently will do damage to roosters in the long term. So you've got nothing to worry about now, but if you want what's best for your rooster a low calcium feed will be best.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Gout, renal damage and arteriosclerosis are among chronic health effects of excessive calcium intake in nonlaying birds. The calcium is not shed by there bodies, rather it accumulates. There are generally no outward symptoms or tjose noticed are attributed to the result (ie kidney failure) rather than the cause (calcium overload). The life expectancy is significantly reduced. Only if a post mortem is performed would the internal effects be noted, most just assume their effected bird "just died"

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I also use Purina flock raiser with oyster shell on the side for layers. It works well for me.

I agree with Ol Grey Mare about too much calcium *possibly* causing gout and even kidney failure. It is more likely if they are genetically predisposed for whatever reason. It isn't super common that we know of but many people don't have testing done when their birds pass. I have seen a couple of cases with confirmation. That's enough for me.

Aside from that the flock raiser has more protein than most "layer" feeds. Really the main differences regardless of label is usually the protein and calcium levels. Dual purpose birds like Orpington and Marans will do best on 18% or more protein. The usual 16% of most layer feeds is intended for light bodied layers like leghorn.

Good luck whichever you decide.

 

[jason4amanda]

Thank you all for your fast reply. I will be making a trip to tractor supply in the a.m. Today they had scratch feed. Didn't realize it was mostly a treat. They had a big treat today. Lol

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Check the labels before you buy and you will be OK. Where I live Flock Raiser is about $17-18 for 50 lb bag, and is 20% protein; and Dumor Grower is about $15 at 15% protein.