I have tried, believe me. He isn't doing it because it is cheeper. It's way more expensive around here but he won't listen. He has it in his head that they are birds so bird seed is better than pellets. I understand that pellets aren't exactly a natural diet, but the breeds of chickens we have aren't exactly natural either. The need better nutrition to make as many eggs as they do.
Wow that sucks :/ well, people do mix their own food so maybe you can convince him to do that. Still get whole grains not pellets but designed for chickens