A wet mash shouldn't have identifiable pellets. I mix 1 part pellets to 1 part hot water and let it sit 5 minutes then add more water until it is as thick as cooked oatmeal. If you let it sit after each water addition the pellets soak it up and break up.
A chick starter formula or feed designed...
Is the ACV a constant? If so it can ave negative effects in calcium absorption.
Did you try making a wet mash with the layer pellets?
Have you tried using a flock raiser formula? Mine certainly prefer it to layer pellets.