Rooster eating layer crumbles?

[IvyYo]

Just curious! Got this 16%layer crumbles feed, I've never tried dumor brand, till today. and it says do not feed to males? But I think it will be fine I've got layer crumbles before just not this brand and are roosters are perfectly fine, they love it!! Thoughts??

 

[Al Gerhart]

They will be fine. Probably just CYA lawyer speak on that bag. If that rooster starts squatting or laying eggs you will have no trouble selling him at a good price.

 

[Toothpick]

I have only ever bought layer feed from TSC and the roosters I've had have all been A-OK.

I've used that Dumor brand for about a year now and the chickens seems to like it. Of course - They liked Producer's Pride too. And Kalmbach Feeds from Chewy.com too. I don't think they are picky.

I just found out my local co-op sells 22% layer feed at $15.00 for 50lb so I'lll be trying that next. It's about 5 bucks cheaper than those others I listed.

 

[HorseGirlAbby]

The higher calcium content in layer feed can be detrimental to roosters' health long term. They don't need extra calcium, as they're not making eggshells, and it can build up in their kidneys and cause irreversible damage. Generally, an all-flock feed is best for mixed flocks, and you can give oyster shells on the side for a calcium supplement.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The higher calcium content in layer feed can be detrimental to roosters' health long term. They don't need extra calcium, as they're not making eggshells, and it can build up in their kidneys and cause irreversible damage. Generally, an all-flock feed is best for mixed flocks, and you can give oyster shells on the side for a calcium supplement.

This is true. The laying hens that need calcium will help themselves to the oyster shell, and all others will ignore it.

 

[Debbie292d]

I wouldn't worry about one bag of feed. It would actually take a few years of a rooster getting a little more calcium than they should before it would cause major internal issues, and they'd be dead from natural causes by then. That said, it doesn't mean we should chance it and continue feeding them that layer. I'd just finish the bag off and switch over then to an all-flock. The all-flock can even be fed to baby chicks. We do. Just make sure to pick up some oyster shell for your hens, as they need more calcium than what's in the all-flock.