He will sample but not overindulge if it's on the side. He cannot avoid it if mixed into his ration as layer feed is.
Excess calcium (>3%) fed long term to birds not in lay *may* cause a type of gout, kidney failure, and ultimately death.. but there is a genetic component to that.. some roosters will eat layer feed their whole life and never face those issues while others may experience it much sooner.. the genetic component cannot be known, free ranging *may* help reduce or minimize risk depending on pasture conditions.. some of us have heavily invested both time and $ for our resident roosters/flocks.. and value them highly enough that it matters and is worth the higher price feed verses replacing them.
Technically speaking layer is an inappropriate feed for roosters.. and (by law in the US) should be labeled for use with appropriate "life stage" and species.
Please note the term flock raiser, all flock, starter, grower, etc.. it's all irrelevant marketing terms.. the main difference is always going to be CLOSE to this simple.. protein and amino acid content (closely intertwined).. and calcium content.. which is going to be about the same for all previous mentioned (around 1%) except maybe the "layer" & "breeder" rations which will have about 4-5% calcium.
Layer feed with it's typical 16% protein is considered the minimum to keep a light bodied layer like leghorn in laying condition.. Cost is of course a factor.. but most home keepers aren't looking to reproduce factory conditions or meet the minimum (and be culled for pet food the next year).. but to have our bird thrive many years into the future.. some laying all they way until 7+ years old. I can tell you feeding flock raiser (full time) made a huge difference come molt time!
So basically do what's inline with YOUR goals, now that you have some clear information. Sorry support links not provided.
Hope this makes easy sense! Also, hope you're enjoying BYC!
