Feed

[Mimi 1]

1. Happy Saturday! I'm a little concerned... i switched their feed from crumbles to pellets but they're not eating it. I checked their crops and it's not full like it used to be. I've been withholding the scratch in an effort to make them eat their food... will they choose to starve?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

They will not choose to starve. You can try wetting it down to see if they change their minds.

 

[Altairsky]

In my experience, pellets are better than crumbles for chickens because they feel more similar to scratch.
I'd try to mix the pellets with some cottage cheese and see if they start eating it that way.

 

[Perris]

i switched their feed from crumbles to pellets

why?

 

[Ridgerunner]

will they choose to starve?

Would you choose to starve if food were available? They will not choose to starve but they may not yet recognize it to be food. Chickens often do not like change but they can be pretty adaptable.

I've never had a problem when I switch forms of feed. But some people have. Try feeding a mix of pellets and crumble together to help them get used to it. Don't have any crumble left? No problem. Gently crush some pellets so it looks like crumble. Do not overdo it and turn the pellets into powder. After mixing them for a couple of days they should be eating the pellets.

Good luck!

 

[Mimi 1]

They will not choose to starve. You can try wetting it down to see if they change their minds.

I added water to the feed and let it soak over night, now they are eating it as if it is something special! I didn't know they would be so finicky! THANKS

 

[Mimi 1]

why?

Because they were wasting a lot of it