Chicken boarders

[kinsk]

We got our ex batts in February and started them off on the ex bat crumbs. The last month or so I've been mixing in layers pellets with the idea of transfering them onto the pellets, however they definitely seem to prefer the crumbs to the pellets.

 

They will eat the pellets, but I put in a couple of small bowls of half and half each morning which they eat all of, the grub feeder is filled on one side with pellets and the otherside with crumbs and it's only the crumbs which get taken. Then late afternoon they have a handful of half and half mixed with some blitzed up fresh veggies, oh and a few meal worms along the way!

 

Is this far too much for them? Or do they only eat as much as they need? They get their proper food in the morning and aren't allowed any treats/nicer stuff until later in the day to make sure they eat the proper stuff and get what they need.

 

Should I just keep them on the crumbs if that's what they prefer, carry on with half and half or go to the pellets? Or does it not really make much difference?

 

I thought, up until yesterday, other thread one losing one, they were all thriving and doing really well but now I'm doubting things.

[Lavenders_Blue]

Chickens will only eat as much as they need so you don't need to worry about overfeeding them. They should have crumbs/pellets (whichever you choose) available at all times.

 

As for whether you decide to feed pellets or crumbs, well it's up to you really. If your girls like crumbs and you're happy feeding it to them, then stick with it. If you'd prefer to move them onto pellets then go for it. They'll soon get used to having just pellets available. Nutritionally they are the same.

[Lavenders_Blue]

I should have added, are the pellets the same brand as the crumb you are feeding? As some chooks seem to prefer the taste of some brands over others. It might explain why your girls are hoovering up the crumb first.

[Redwing]

It doesnt really matter which you feed them, it really comes down to what they like v cost and convenience for you

 

The pellets seem to result in less waste generally so many people feed those

 

Whatever you decide they should be fine with as they have been exposed to both types of food

 

If you choose to move them over to pellets then they wont starve themselves and will quickly adjust