Can Roosters Eat Layer feed?

[Quail_Guy]

I've recently got layer feed for my chickens but I am not sure if my rooster can be able to eat layer feed. I've asked the store owner who claimed to raises chickens and they've replied with yes. Although I would like some insight of others to see if it is okay for them due to the high calcium.

 

[Sic]

No

 

[ChaosMom]

High-calcium feed (layer feed) has been found to produce problems in non-laying chickens (pre-laying pullets and all cockerels; roosters; retired(non-laying) hens.

If you have a mixed flock (with your rooster, sounds like you do), aim for chick feed or all-flock feed (calcium under 1.5 or so) , and provide supplemental calcium on the side - oyster shell, etc. <- Note that this is different from what in the US is called “grit.” Grit is sand, ground gravel, etc that helps digestion. It isn’t meant as a source of nutrients. Supplemental calcium, like ground or flaked oyster shell or egg shells, is a calcium source meant to help egg-laying.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I've recently got layer feed for my chickens but I am not sure if my rooster can be able to eat layer feed. I've asked the store owner who claimed to raises chickens and they've replied with yes. Although I would like some insight of others to see if it is okay for them due to the high calcium.

Nope. It causes damage to the kidneys over time.

 

[Susan Skylark]

He obviously can and will eat the feed, the better question is should he? An all flock type feed with calcium/oyster shells on the side might be a workable solution, but what you need to decide is what works logistically for you and your flock. Over time a high calcium diet can cause kidney and joint issues in nonlaying birds (can not will) but we are talking years here, if you plan on switching out your roosters every year or two, it probably won’t be an issue. Also how much of a pain will it be to provide an alternative (as above) versus an all in one feed? I feed my quail a layer feed at all stages, including chicks and males, but lifespan is a year, pre laying interval is 7 weeks, protein is high enough for both chicks and adults, keeping one feed around works for me and my birds, but you need to figure out what works for yours.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

He obviously can and will eat the feed, the better question is should he? An all flock type feed with calcium/oyster shells on the side might be a workable solution, but what you need to decide is what works logistically for you and your flock. Over time a high calcium diet can cause kidney and joint issues in nonlaying birds (can not will) but we are talking years here, if you plan on switching out your roosters every year or two, it probably won’t be an issue. Also how much of a pain will it be to provide an alternative (as above) versus an all in one feed? I feed my quail a layer feed at all stages, including chicks and males, but lifespan is a year, pre laying interval is 7 weeks, protein is high enough for both chicks and adults, keeping one feed around works for me and my birds, but you need to figure out what works for yours.

Chickens can live for ten years so I don’t think that’s a good comparison. Also, feeding all-flock is feeding one feed, not providing an alternative. You feed one feed and provide supplemental calcium free-choice for the portion of the flock that needs it. Everyone has to do what works for them but I think most rooster owners feed all-flock or similar instead of layer feed. I didn’t keep roosters and still fed all-flock because I had non-laying pullets and older heritage birds that laid less.

 

[Folly's place]

Layer feed, most have 16% protein and high calcium, was designed for leghorn sized high producing hens, living in cages, and being replaced before two years of age. And fed as a sole diet.
Many of us having small flocks, and not replacing birds every year, will plan for longer healthy life, including actively laying hens, molting birds, all ages and including males. Free ranging and adding other foods makes a difference too. Here we feed an all flock diet, 20% protein, lower calcium, suitable for chickens of all sizes, ages, and sexes. Oyster shell in a separate dish, good for everyone, and easy!
Mary