Cornish not eating powder/fines in feed

[Matrix Escapee]

My Cornish are picking out all the corn wheat and peas in my feed. The mix also has crab meal and nutribalancer (kelp meal and minerals) which are both powdery/fine granular in texture. I am not only wasting feed, but am concerned about nutritional deficiencies and slow gain.

This was not a problem with previous flocks this past spring that I can remember. It has gotten hot here in Delaware over the last few weeks, so maybe temperature is playing a factor.

Anyone else feed a non-processed/pelleted feed where your birds are picking out the big pieces? I have 2,5, and 7 week olds all doing it, so it is not an age thing.

Help!

 

[chickenbaguette]

You could try making it into a sort of mush, so they can't avoid the small bits? But that isn't really much good if you have a feeder, or lots of birds.

 

[saladin]

Your birds, like all birds, have found their favorite food as compared to the remainder of the mix. That is not likely to change.

I would suggest going to a straight pelletized feed that is well balanced.

For Cornish (and especially Orientals) 14% Hog Finisher is one of the best feeds on the market. They'll put on the weight without heart and leg problems developing.

 

[Medicine Man]

I have the same issue, so I just add warm water and stir. If it's too runny, let it sit for a few minutes and stir again until it's like firm oatmeal.