Chicken bald back

[veggiemad]

Morning all!!

 

I've just been to collect some more ex batt pellets from my supplier and they hadn't got any- he said that my ex batts should be moved to normal layers pelletts now that they have had 2 bags of ex batt range. He also said that the ex batt range isnt meant for long term feeding and they should change after 1 x 5kg sack??

 

Any ideas- i thought ex batt pellets were better for them- high in vitamins etc,- they are almost totally re-feathered now but one has started to moult a little. getting 2 eggs a day from 3 hens- 1 softie.

 

I bought a small amount of normal layers to see them over nextweek until i decide what to get them

thanks

xx

[chelsea]

I don't even have ex-batts and have been feeding my girls the ex-batt range (layers crumb) for several months. I am not sure what your supplier is going on about to be honest I have noticed better quality in my eggs since switching over from normal pellets and also in their consumption as they really like the crumb texture.

 

I thought you could feed it all the time... why not contact Allen & Page the producer or have a peep on their website.

[Egluntyne]

The hens I rescued on Oct 10th are now on layers pellets.....and seem to prefer them.

[Lydia]

Mine are all on the ex-batt crumb and will always be - they like it and the BHWT get a little something so everyone a winner.

 

I don't know what your supplier is on about - perhaps the other food is cheaper for him to get in....

 

That said my ex-batts used to eat normal pellets or mash until the ex-batt range came out and were fine on that too so they won't suffer if you do decide to change.

[wiganchooks]

From reading the website I think you can keep them on it forever, and it is just a high protein food with extra vits etc for any hen, not just ex-batts.

 

Info on the food at:

http://www.smallholderfeed.co.uk/Products/ExBattery/Ex-Battery-Hens.aspx

 

I'm going to try mine on the ex-batt pellets soon to see if they like that and if there is less wastage (they are on the crumb at the moment, since I got them 6-7weeks ago, and so much gets mixed into the hemcore) but I like the idea of Allen and Page supporting BHWT with the sales and the hens are doing so well on it (refeathered and all laying 1 a day still) so I'll probably stick with it.

[Jools]

I think your supplier is giving you duff info. There is no problem, only benefit, to keeping them on ex-bat feed as it has a higher nutritional value than normal layers pellets and let's face it, if anyone needs it, ex-bats do.