Anyone successfully transition from crumbles to pellets?

[chickengoggles]

My 11 chickens (10 hens, one cockerel) were all acquired as adults, and all had historically been fed crumbles. The owner of the original two told me she had tried pellets, and they seemed to prefer starving. I found New Country Organics, as I wanted them on an organic feed - they only make a layer mash and layer pellets. I have been feeding them the mash, but they pick out the grains and leave the powder, which is all of the added nutrients/minerals, etc. I've been trying to gradually transition them to New Country's pellets, but they pick out the mash and leave the pellets behind. Will they eventually eat enough pellets to maintain their weight and health? I've already seen a decrease in the daily number of eggs, and they act like they are starving once they've picked out the mash and left the pellets, so I've taken to feeding them twice a day (I have a bazillion feeding stations that I usually just fill in the morning). Their crops feel mostly full in the evening, a couple maybe less packed than usual. Am I overthinking this?

 

[GC-Raptor]

When I transferred my first Flock of Golden Comets to Pellets. I mixed the Crumbles and Pellets 50/50 for two weeks.
I also mixed the Pellets with Scratch Grains 50/50 and tossed it on the ground. They gobbled up the Pellets in the Scratch. Only toss the Pellets on dry ground. Those not eaten can mold if it gets wet.
They happily ate the Pellets in the feeder. GC

 

[ketojenn]

I simply switched to pellets one day. No one died. They will eat if they are hungry.

 

[RowanTheRed]

I simply switched to pellets one day. No one died. They will eat if they are hungry.

X2

 

[Mosey2003]

Either wet the mash or switch to pellets. I have switched back and forth at will, if they are hungry they will eventually give in and eat.

 

[chickengoggles]

I'd like to note, for the record, that I am not a wuss at all with my horses, dogs, cats, or three small children. Throw me a curve with a chicken, and I'm:

 

[Rooster_Tyranny]

Like everyone else, I just switched to pellets. They were a little confused but caught on pretty quick. I can understand your situation though, I have a pullet who would prefer to starve rather than jump off the roost by herself!

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Just replace the crumbles with the pellets, simple.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I just switched. sometimes, if its all they have, I'll still give them all flock crumbles, but otherwise, I usually give them pellets. There's less mess.

 

[dalasgalas]

I always gradually change when swapping out any new food for any animal.