It's likely that you have plenty of questions about how to raise a flock of roosters if you've never done it before. Among the biggest questions new rooster owners have is what to feed them. Roosters or cockerels, who are male chickens, will have preferences when it comes to what they like to eat. Their diet, however, includes both plants and animals, as they are omnivores.
How often should you feed them, and what is their exact diet? Do they have any food restrictions? Find out what roosters eat below!
As omnivores, roosters eat plant and animal-based foods. Commercial feed, vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds, worms, and insects can all be part of this diet. Due to the main focus of raising chickens being egg-laying hens, less research has been done on how to feed roosters.
Feeding starter feed to baby chicks is essential. This kind of feed should be given to them until about 6 weeks of age, then you need to phase it out. When they get older, they can develop liver damage from an overabundance of protein, and starter feed contains between 20 and 24 percent protein.
At approximately six weeks, you'll start feeding them grower feed. Roosters' dietary needs change between 6 and 20 weeks of age, and they require less protein than they did as babies. The amount of protein in grower feed is around 16-18%.
Last but not least, your roosters will consume what is called layer feed for most of their lives. Nevertheless, be aware that most layer feeds contain boosted calcium to help hens strengthen their eggshells. That calcium isn't necessary for your roosters. As a matter of fact, too much can damage their kidneys. Many rooster owners are surprised to find that roosters thrive on layers, as do their hens. However, you can feed layer feed with at least 18% protein in the form of crumbles or pellets, if you want to be on the safe side.
Your rooster will benefit from leafy green vegetables. Cabbage, turnips, spinach, kale, and lettuce are all nutritious choices. But they can still eat other veggies! Pumpkins and carrots are also healthy for your rooster (but they might need to be cooked first).
You might be wondering if there are any foods that your rooster cannot eat now that you know what they should eat. They should avoid certain foods. It comes without saying that you shouldn't give them moldy food, caffeine, or chocolate.
There is some controversy over whether cooked potatoes, tomatoes & rhubarb are toxic to chickens due to their oxalic acid content. In hens, this can cause softer shells on eggs, and it has been known to result in kidney failure. Be cautious here.
Other than these, onions, avocados & an abundance of sugary foods should be avoided.
How often should you feed them, and what is their exact diet? Do they have any food restrictions? Find out what roosters eat below!
What Do Roosters Eat?
As omnivores, roosters eat plant and animal-based foods. Commercial feed, vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds, worms, and insects can all be part of this diet. Due to the main focus of raising chickens being egg-laying hens, less research has been done on how to feed roosters.
Commercial Feed
Chicken feed is an extremely crucial part of a rooster's diet as it contains all the required nutrients, vitamins & minerals. You can choose from a number of options, each of which affects your rooster's health differently. There are feeds that are appropriate for chicks, others that are suitable for adolescents, and still others that are suitable for adults.Feeding starter feed to baby chicks is essential. This kind of feed should be given to them until about 6 weeks of age, then you need to phase it out. When they get older, they can develop liver damage from an overabundance of protein, and starter feed contains between 20 and 24 percent protein.
At approximately six weeks, you'll start feeding them grower feed. Roosters' dietary needs change between 6 and 20 weeks of age, and they require less protein than they did as babies. The amount of protein in grower feed is around 16-18%.
Last but not least, your roosters will consume what is called layer feed for most of their lives. Nevertheless, be aware that most layer feeds contain boosted calcium to help hens strengthen their eggshells. That calcium isn't necessary for your roosters. As a matter of fact, too much can damage their kidneys. Many rooster owners are surprised to find that roosters thrive on layers, as do their hens. However, you can feed layer feed with at least 18% protein in the form of crumbles or pellets, if you want to be on the safe side.
Plants
Foraging around in the yard or garden for treats is common among roosters; they like to eat a variety of plants. Your rooster will appreciate grass and leaves when it comes to natural foliage. You'll also discover they're quite fond of natural herbs growing in your garden).Fruits
A wide variety of fruits is enjoyed by roosters. However, they shouldn't be offered every day, but rather on occasion. When roosters consume too much fruit, they may experience loose stools. There are a number of fruits that are safe to be fed to your rooster, including apples, peaches, berries, bananas, grapes, guavas, and plums.Vegetables
Your rooster will benefit from leafy green vegetables. Cabbage, turnips, spinach, kale, and lettuce are all nutritious choices. But they can still eat other veggies! Pumpkins and carrots are also healthy for your rooster (but they might need to be cooked first).
Seeds, Nuts & Grains
Chicken scratch (which is different from chicken feed) often contains seeds, nuts & grains that roosters love. Seeds, nuts, grains, as well as chicken scratch, should be given in moderation. In excess, they can lead to roosters becoming overweight and unhealthy. Sunflower seeds, almonds, and cashews are all treats you can give your rooster. Corn, oats, bulgur, and barley are all grains you can include in their diet. Another tasty treat they might enjoy? Peas!Insects (And Other Animals)
Your roosters do not need to be fed insects! They'll handle that themselves. When roosters peck about, they often catch insects such as crickets, flies & butterflies. As a source of protein, they will sometimes eat tiny lizards, worms & even mice.Water
As a result of not getting enough water from food, roosters can dehydrate surprisingly quickly. Therefore, they require fresh water at all times during the day. It's also extremely essential for them to drink plenty of water in hot weather to prevent heat exhaustion.Foods They Should Avoid
You might be wondering if there are any foods that your rooster cannot eat now that you know what they should eat. They should avoid certain foods. It comes without saying that you shouldn't give them moldy food, caffeine, or chocolate.
There is some controversy over whether cooked potatoes, tomatoes & rhubarb are toxic to chickens due to their oxalic acid content. In hens, this can cause softer shells on eggs, and it has been known to result in kidney failure. Be cautious here.
Other than these, onions, avocados & an abundance of sugary foods should be avoided.
