Crumbles, pellets, mash...what's the difference?

[mrsbos]

Pardon my ignorance, but are there actually different ingredients in "mash" than in pellets? After reading posts on this board, it sounds like mash is inferior, but I just thought it was a different form of feed (crushed pellets for example). And what about crumbles? When I go to the feed store and ask for layer feed, they ask me if I want crumbles or pellets...I didn't know what the difference was (guess I could have asked!).

 

[gritsar]

The main difference is the consistency. I prefer pellets, less waste IMO. I only just yesterday switched my one flock back to crumbles, in a formula called "all way" i.e., a starter/grower and layer feed in one, because I now have babies in the coop and they can't handle the pellets.

 

[acid_chipmunk]

There generally isn't a difference, it is just how big the food is. I stick with pellets for my adult birds, because they waste less. The babies and teens get crumbles. I stay away from mash. I used it once and it made all my birds cough and almost choke when they ate it because it is like powder. I hated it and it scared the crap out of me. Even my ducks coughed eating it. Never again for the mash.

 

[ranchhand]

Check the ingredients list, but for my suppliers, it's just a difference in texture and consistency. I use use layer pellets when possible, seems to be less waste. But the chicks are getting crumbles right now, and since the hens are just finishing a major molt, they're getting crumbles, too, for the higher protein content.

 

[mrsbos]

Thanks guys! I guess mash would get wasted more if it got spilled on the floor--but perhaps it's cheaper to buy. I didnt' check for a price difference. Oh well, my girls get pellets, along with fresh fruit, oats, rice.....heck they eat better than I do! Thanks for the info!

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

We prefer pellets, because the crumbles make Chloe sneeze: