[yvonne.s]

  My friend has just given me two chocolate Orpington Bantam cockerels as they were being bullied by her other much larger cockerel. I have put them in with my four hybrid hens. I have been feeding the girls layers pellets, is it ok for the boys to have them too, or will they harm them? These are my first hens so I still have a lot to learn!

[jaykay]

My cockerels all eat layers pellets.

There are people who will tell you nothing should eat layers pellets, there are people who will tell you they have too much calcium in them and it will do all sorts of dreadful things to any bird not laying.

But my cockerels all eat layers pellets, and they're happy and healthy.

So personally I'd put your new cockerels in with the girls and let them get on with it 

[Brijjy]

If they'll eat layers pellets then give them layers. My lot are all too fussy and will only eat corn, turning their beaks up at layers pellets.

[yvonne.s]

Thanks Brijjy and jaykay for your replies, I will give them the layers and see how they get on. 

[Daisys Mum]

 
I have a cockerel who is at least 9yrs old and has eaten layers pellets all his life, bad tempered little sod that he is.

[Rosemary]

I had a similar worry but on reflection, Hector's been eating layer pellets for five years and seems fine