Don't like the new layer feed

[ColtHandorf]

My Orpingtons don't seem to have any trouble with their layer pellets. I think they would prefer crumble, but I think they waste too much of it so I prefer to offer them pellets. They get time out in the yard with grass and bugs and a scoop of hen scratch to get them back into their pen so the dogs can have the backyard when it's time to potty. I have mixed the feed as a transition before to help them out.

 

[Folly's place]

Also, chickens hate change! It's best to mix the new feed with the original diet, so they have a more gradual changeover.
I also don't feed layer, because it's only suitable for laying hens, and was developed for smaller high producing layers (Leghorns) living in cages, and eating nothing else. It's not meant for young or old, molting time, roosters, or any bird not actively laying eggs right then.
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have always switched to layer pellets when its time without really even mixing, I don't understand all the problems people have. Why would layer pellets be any less palatable then grower or all flock? I just have never had a problem. Sometimes we make things way too hard & over think them.

I wouldn't say chickens universally don't like layer pellets, but if given their choice my hens definitely showed preference for the hatch-to-hen crumble I was providing the chicks. But I've never had an issue transitioning them to the layer pellets from the same brand.

Oddly enough I tried a different brand of pellets (grower) for at least 2 months, but none of the chickens really liked them and kept billing them out and making a mess. I figured after that long, if they still didn't like it, I might as well go back to the layer pellets that they'd been fine with.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

I wouldn't say chickens universally don't like layer pellets, but if given their choice my hens definitely showed preference for the hatch-to-hen crumble I was providing the chicks. But I've never had an issue transitioning them to the layer pellets from the same brand.

Oddly enough I tried a different brand of pellets (grower) for at least 2 months, but none of the chickens really liked them and kept billing them out and making a mess. I figured after that long, if they still didn't like it, I might as well go back to the layer pellets that they'd been fine with.

I am having trouble with my pullets eating the layer feed or grower feed. I mixed them a bit.
They are 5 months old and free range.
Oh but they love the bird seed from the feeders.
They like oats grain and black sunflower seeds, bread and raisins.

yeah we feed them a little treat daily!
Honestly looking at the processed layer feed I really don’t blame them.

I been thinking of making my own chicken feed mixture with oats, millet, red wheat, and sunflower seeds.
I have a list of stuff recommended and amount. Just trying to get through my bought processed chicken feed that looks like hard bleached cardboard pellets.

Even put some on the deck! Even the wild birds and squirrels won’t touch the stuff! Makes me wonder is it really that great.

 

[Folly's place]

If you offer whole grains, your birds will eat the yummiest stuff and leave the less tasty items, causing an unbalanced diet, and likely fat malnourished birds. I'd live on steak and strawberries too!
Laying pullets and hens need a very balanced diet, because they are working very hard producing all those eggs! They will do best on a good crumble or pelleted feed, with extra goodies as treats only.
Home mixed diets can be done but are tricky, and require the vitamin/ mineral balance and recipe to be right. It's also more expensive than buying premixed 'balance in a bag' at the feed store.
Always check the mill date on each bag of feed, and buy fresh!
It's best to keep your wild bird feeders unavailable for the chickens, from a disease standpoint at least.
Mary

 

[Bigbluefrog]

If you offer whole grains, your birds will eat the yummiest stuff and leave the less tasty items, causing an unbalanced diet, and likely fat malnourished birds. I'd live on steak and strawberries too!
Laying pullets and hens need a very balanced diet, because they are working very hard producing all those eggs! They will do best on a good crumble or pelleted feed, with extra goodies as treats only.
Home mixed diets can be done but are tricky, and require the vitamin/ mineral balance and recipe to be right. It's also more expensive than buying premixed 'balance in a bag' at the feed store.
Always check the mill date on each bag of feed, and buy fresh!
It's best to keep your wild bird feeders unavailable for the chickens, from a disease standpoint at least.
Mary

Sorry struggling with vision today... may not be spelled checked.

my chickens free range so keeping them away from birds not really doable.

I agree the freshness is best!

my feed is just not interesting to them. I removed all other food and kept them locked up for several days. They were famished.

You do need to have a well balanced diet for the chickens.
So definitely do your homework to get the right balance of natural unprocessed Whole Foods.
Protein balance and offer calcium supplement on the side like oyster shells.
I found several feed stores that will do it for you. Or save the money and do it yourself. But follow a recipe so they get good amount of protein.
Yup the layer feed is definitely cheaper and already well balanced.

If I could find a layer feed that they would eat it would be wonderful otherwise it is a waste to throw it all out.
They always have chicken feed in the run. .
Is there a good brand?

I be willing to try one more time.

Steak and strawberries every day!!
I like it!

 

[David61]

My girl's are just starting to lay. I went from chick crumble to grower grumble to all flock. Yes, they were not keen on changing over but it goes way for some reason. 10% treats and an hour of free range. You know what helps, secondary freezers. If you know chickens they have to have what ever some other has found.
I need to post my secondary feeders. I made them out of 20oz and 64oz drink bottles. It was going to be a quick fix until i found something i liked but so far its been a hit with the girls and can be replaced in minutes. I have grit in one 20oz, oyster shells in the other and feed in the two 64oz. I cut them off where the bottle makes the first mold impression from the bottom leaving a strip on the back so it looks like a soup ladle. Then run a screw in the strip to a 4x4 so the bowl is head high. You may find more feed being eaten if it's not being dominated in one place.
I'm going to stay with all flock as long as i can keep oyster shell on the side.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

My girl's are just starting to lay. I went from chick crumble to grower grumble to all flock. Yes, they were not keen on changing over but it goes way for some reason. 10% treats and an hour of free range. You know what helps, secondary freezers. If you know chickens they have to have what ever some other has found.
I need to post my secondary feeders. I made them out of 20oz and 64oz drink bottles. It was going to be a quick fix until i found something i liked but so far its been a hit with the girls and can be replaced in minutes. I have grit in one 20oz, oyster shells in the other and feed in the two 64oz. I cut them off where the bottle makes the first mold impression from the bottom leaving a strip on the back so it looks like a soup ladle. Then run a screw in the strip to a 4x4 so the bowl is head high. You may find more feed being eaten if it's not being dominated in one place.
I'm going to stay with all flock as long as i can keep oyster shell on the side.

I like the sound of that.
Do you have a photo of your inventive design?

All flock brand? I did red that grower feed is fine as long as calcium is offered in the side.
And the feed dishes get knocked over.
I bought some pvc pipes and was going to configure something mounted but can be removed for cleaning.
I added water to the feed and they ate maybe a small amount.
What a bunch of babies!

again sorry if writing is bad- today is a yucky vision day

 

[David61]

Do you have a photo of your inventive design?

I'm a design innovator? LOL lazy make you a genius.

 

[David61]