Changed to Organic Layer feed and hens are scoffing

[katy keese]

Hey,

I just changed our hens' food to an organic layer feed which is comprised of large pieces (whole corn kernels, etc). They used to eat crumbles. They are not interested in the new food and I am wondering if I should be worried about this or if they will eventually "figure it out" and resort to eating it. Any advice or experience around similar issues is appreciated!

 

[chickenmama109]

yes i gave mine crumbles all there life when they started to lay i went to layer pellets they did not like the pellets so i had to go back to crumbles they would eat them but they love crumbles so much more it may just take them a little bit to get use to it


good luck with your flock

 

[BonDEEroo]

Does the organic feed have layer pellets in it, or is it just a scratch mix with mostly grains and kernels? They'll need layer pellets to lay well.
How old are they and what breed?
Young birds or ones with little beaks and mouths (like bantam silkies) may have trouble eating the coarser stuff. Maybe crush the layer pellets or get layer mash (organic if available)- less wastage.
Hens are conservative and suspicious of change. Envy is a powerful motivator however, so if you can trick a low-ranking hen to eat it as if it's a treat, the others will want it too.
Mine get a mix of organic scratch, organic layer pellets and organic chick crumbles as a compromise for fussy eaters and they end up eating a bit of everything.

 

[barred2rock]

Chickens don't like change, give them a few days and they should take to it.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Hens love crumbles over pellets because they can rake through the crumbles with their bills, then find and only eat that small portion of the crumbles that fits their fancy. The rest of the crumbles usually end up on the ground and is consumed by rats and mice.