Debeaked and pellets

[NerdyChicken]

I just purchased some pullets and got them home to discover they had been debeaked. Thankfully, it's not very severe (only the upper, and maybe 1/2 the way between the end and the nairs). Also, I discovered they had been eating crumbles. This being my first time, and not being able to forsee everything I would end up wondering about, I had already purchased pellets. I have watched the birds wander over to the feeder and peck at a few, and I did broadcast some through the straw I have in the coop, but the few times I've seen them actually going after a pellet, they seem to have a hard time picking it up. Also in my ignorance, I wonder how well they can crush their food with their beaks as they are.

Now I realize a lot of this is probably useless worry on my part, but all the same I'd like some feedback from people with experience here as I have none...

How do I tell that they're getting enough feed?

Thanks!

 

[Peeper7]

How old are the birds? Small chicks have a problem with pellets but if they are older they will probably adapt really fast. Pay attention to how much feed you put in the feeder so you can see if it's being consumed. That is a good first step.

 

[NerdyChicken]

I believe they're 20-21 weeks. Some have started laying - found an egg in the box when I got home with them last night. Another showed up around noon today. They're Gold Comets.

 

[Peeper7]

They should be able to eat pellets just fine. Verify by putting just a tiny amount in the feeder and watch for it to go. If you have further concerns they are not eating enough, you can always crumble the pellets!

congrats on your new eggs!

 

[Equus5O]

I brought home some "beakies" last summer. They've been eating pellets without a problem.

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

Hi.... we are glad to have have you here with us.

It depends on your individual chicken. Some simply can't scoop up the pellets.
Make sure your feeders are deep. De-beaked chickens have to get under the pellet with their bottom beak and literally scoop it into their mouths.
Crumbles make eating easier for them. Also, if they are used to eating crumbles, they may not eat the pellets very well. You might try mixing crumbles and pellets together and slowly decrease the crumbles until they have only pellets.
Make sure you have enough feeder space for all your hens, so they don't push one or two away from the feed. They will need extra time at the feeder in order to get enough to eat.

I wouldn't throw any feed in your bedding, IMO it would be wasted, because they can't pick the pellets up easily.
The crop does the crushing, so making sure they can get it into their mouths is the biggest thing.
Also, have a deep grit feeder.

You may have to spend some time watching them eat. Are they eating the pellets or are they falling on the ground?
Watch their weight closely. If they start losing weight, you will probably need to feed them crumbles.

I hope this helps you.

Jean