Layer feed not for roosters!?! What should I feed?

[Maddcatter]

Ah. So we must be protected from ourselves. Obviously they know the game. But who will be established to protect the government, that old whining lunatic, from itself?

None of the answers to that question are good. They range from quoting alex jones to joe biden, and I am fairly certain the chicken forum isn't where we should dissect either of those points of view.

But yes, that's the question we all get to ponder. How much do our blessings mean to us? What should we do to preserve them?

It's actually part of why I share the small amount of knowledge I have. If I do nothing else, hopefully I will have helped some one choose their own path and be successful on it.

 

[Maddcatter]

Look up "fish antibiotics" online. You can thank me later.

Thank you. I just assumed they had already banned that. I sincerely appreciate your assistance!

 

[Henora]

So, I've come to the realization that it's not good for roosters to be eating layer feed. We feed our flocks with roosters the same feed which is layer feed. However, I read it's not good for the roosters and may cause organ problems or failure. What do you feed your mixed flocks without having to do separate feeds if at all?

So, I've come to the realization that it's not good for roosters to be eating layer feed. We feed our flocks with roosters the same feed which is layer feed. However, I read it's not good for the roosters and may cause organ problems or failure. What do you feed your mixed flocks without having to do separate feeds if at all? Thanks!

I feed my roosters layer feed along with the hens, and they are healthy and fertile and have exhibited no problems for the 4 years I've had them. I also provide additional supplemental oyster shell which the hens eat. What I've gleaned from the info online is that an all flock feed is great if you can get it, but not necessary if you can't.

 

[Henora]

Actually, too much Calcium is a problem for ALL non-laying birds.
A non-laying bird has no way to use up or extract high amounts of calcium, this includes chicks, pullets, cockerels, roosters and hens not laying due to season, age, improper diet illness etc.

This doesn't mean that layer feeds contain too much calcium for roosters, but it is supposed to be too much calcium for chicks for sure.

 

[Henora]

My favorite all-flock feed was discontinued and the price on the other one went up so much that I'm now feeding gamebird grower.

The extra protein (22%) is probably good for my growing young birds, but later in the summer I might start cutting it with some scratch, which I don't normally feed.

Is the game bird feed sold at the same place you buy your chicken feed? Is it from a mill or more like a Purina bag?

 

[Henora]

I'm in a rural, agricultural area.

And have had to negotiate supply shortages.

Freshness hasn't been an issue for me -- though it definitely is for some people.

By 'seem' I mean my chickens are healthy, and it smells good and looks good, and has the right amount of protein, and are made in Australia. And it isn't medicated with anything which would stop me feeding it to laying hens.
Here's a screenshot of the analysis,
View attachment 3608759

Does it really smell good? my chicken food smells like wet socks that have been locked in a warm car. ?

 

[Nicks_Chicks]

I get feeds can be different than what they used to be, but I had a tom live 14 years on layer feed.

 

[Chris2018]

This doesn't mean that layer feeds contain too much calcium for roosters, but it is supposed to be too much calcium for chicks for sure.

If you do a little research, you will find that there are a number of studies and papers done on the nutritional needs of roosters. There are good reasons why good breeder of poultry either feed male stock a feed designed for roosters (that contains low amounts of calcium) OR they use a low calcium grower type feed.