Crumble or pellet?

[AmyMon]

Hello, I switched our six chickens to layer feed as soon as we got an egg on July 31. I bought the crumble layer feed first, thinking it would be an easier transition from the grower crumble. Considering going to layer pellet for the next bag. What do you suggest—crumble or pellet? We do some mix-ins, such as Omega-3 (crumble) from Manna Pro and garlic powder. TIA!

 

[Percheron chick]

Crumble layer and pellet layer from the same mill is the same feed. The feed is first extruded and comes out as pellets. To get crumbles it goes through another step where it is partially crushed.
Some chickens can pick up pellets easier so have less waste. Some feeders clog up with one style of feed over the other. Choose what works for you.

 

[DobieLover]

What do you suggest—crumble or pellet?

I suggest you put them back on grower for the next bag. Or Flock Raiser. Put out 2 containers of oyster shell to satisfy the calcium needs of the active layers. Shoot for something with 18-20% protein and 0.8-1.3% calcium.

I've never fed layer feed and never will. It forces the birds to constantly consume excess calcium regardless if their bodies need it or not.
Layer feed also only offers the minimum amount of protein. I prefer my flock to have an optimal amount vs a minimal.

There are many times when you will not want all of your birds eating lots of extra calcium that the kidneys then have to work overtime to process and remove from the blood stream. Like during the annual molt, when a hen goes broody or is raising chicks, when you integrate new chicks/pre-POL pullets into your flock or if you are lucky enough to have a rooster or two.

 

[Matejka]

I use all flock pellets. I agree with doberlover 100%. I have a container of oyster shell. I also have a rooster and 12 pullets. The rooster took a bite of oyster shell, shook his head and never went near it again. That tells me layer feed would not set well. Why feed something they don't need, don't like?
Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[K0k0shka]

The crumbles have the ingredients tossed in so the chickens can pick out what they prefer, leading to a potentially unbalanced diet.

That's not true. Maybe you meant to say scratch? Like others have already explained, pellets and crumble are the same thing, only difference is that one is crushed finer. They are both a uniform blend where you can't easily discern the different components, and the chickens eat the whole thing without picking and choosing between discernible components.

 

[Matejka]

Too much inedible "dust" in crumbles. Use all flock or flockraiser. I really don't care for layer feed, I have oyster shell free choice.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Crumble layer and pellet layer from the same mill is the same feed. The feed is first extruded and comes out as pellets. To get crumbles it goes through another step where it is partially crushed.
Some chickens can pick up pellets easier so have less waste. Some feeders clog up with one style of feed over the other. Choose what works for you.

This

 

[sybonbon]

I bought pellet once in error and my chickens refused it. They will only eat crumble. Instead of wasting the 50 pound bag, I took a hammer to the pellets to crush them up. I buy the layer feed and have chickens for 6 years. The feed is not 100 percent of their intake. I also feed seed, scratch, weeds and table scraps in moderation.

 

[Brooks_]

Thank you. For those who are saying all flock feed plus shells, what about their own shells dried, baked and crumbled? I’ve read about that from reputable sources and am willing to do that. Seems a waste to buy oyster shells and throw out their own shells.

It is unlikely that giving their shells back to them will provide enough calcium. They will eat them and like them but oyster shell is my recommendation for the bulk of calcium needs.

 

[Beaker99]

I'm new at this, and I have limited options in my area. Tractor supply is a full hour away and I couldn't find layer crumble nor all flock. I went to pellet layer feed, but keep a little meat grower feed on hand too.