[shrekfeet]

Can anyone tell me if there is any issue with cocks eating layers pellets? I have a coupld of coks running with the hens so obviously they eat the same feed. Is this going to affect their potency?

[Wildman]

Most people have the same, you wont stop him eating them. My lot a free to go about the place and are eating the pig nuts (lots of them) I did ask about it and was told its OK.

[Hilarysmum]

Thats a relief about the pig nuts mine appear to prefer them to layers pellets.  On the other hand any escaping pig makes straight for the chicken food.

[northfifeduckling]

It's supposedly bad for their kidneys in the long run. I can't stop my drakes eating the pellets either (I'm sure they do although I've never watched one at the pellet feeder to be honest), but I make sure they always have mixed grain as well and hope they choose that instead! A well experienced friend told us to limit the amount of pellets altogether to what it says on the bag (I think it's 160g a day per bird) out of health concerns.
Hope this helps.

[shrekfeet]

My penned birds have ad lib pellets and then a handful of mixed corn each at 3.30 - is this not right then?

[northfifeduckling]

I think it's better for them (according to our mate with years of experience) if you give them corn and grit ad lib and regulate the amount of pellets...Check your bag, it might be different for different producers according to their composition. You can always up it again, if you think they're not getting enough - see if it makes a difference to the eggs production if you reduce them.