emmalou Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 We cannot get layer mash for our new exbatts in France. Is chick food ok? I understand it is more finer than layer pellets? They are laying and are a year old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursula123 Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 Pop some pellets in a food blender or in a bag and bash with a rolling pin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmalou Posted December 12, 2016 Author Share Posted December 12, 2016 In an ideal world yes but they don't mash down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 they'll brake up enough to look like mash they might be a bit finer than mash it depends on how much they mill the feed before it's put through the pellet mill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmalou Posted December 12, 2016 Author Share Posted December 12, 2016 I have managed to break the layer pellets down using a blender! I have left it for them with fresh water and a supplement in that water, along with oyster shell. Is this adequate for their first few days/weeks? The other hens are obviously having mealworms, and some greens in the morning. I am also sprinkling wheat and maize mix so they may be picking up that as well. The newbies are foraging and of course one of them has diarhea so am a little concerned not to give them too much richness. Is yoghurt Ok for the runs? I don't know what type...I presume natural? I don't want to overwhelm them with food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 I found with my ex batts they ate and ate and ate. It took them a few weeks to regulate their appetite. They managed pellets very well. You could also soak pellets in hot water to make a porridge rather than burning out your blender. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmalou Posted December 12, 2016 Author Share Posted December 12, 2016 Now theres a thought? Thank you. Not sure they are eating them too well, so not sure what they are eating? How about the yoghurt thing with a runny bum? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...