Pellets being tipped over

[dandread]

Some strange behavior with my three layers.

Last week I switched them over to layer pellets from crumble feed. The last couple of days they have been tipping over the large feeder.

The only time I have seen this behavior in the past is when the feeder is just about empty.

I should mention we have granite grit and calcium carbonate grit.

Here are potential factors I can think of. Anybody have any ideas:
a. They just started laying so they are uptight, looking for different food.

b. We suddenly got a very cold spell last couple days, 28 degrees.

c. Because if the cold spell the water has gotten frigid, icy.

d. They are chickens and they have their personal reasons.

 

[lazy gardener]

They are used to the higher protein feed. They don't like change. They are looking for the old stuff. Can you secure the feeder so they can't tip it? I ferment my feed. Prevents all manner of waste issues.

 

[dandread]

Ferment feed?

 

[Kiki]

I prefer crumbles so I think my birds do too!

I am able to purchase layer feed in crumbles...you may want to see if your store carries the crumbles instead of the pellets.

I also ferment my feed.

Here is a clickable link...the same that is in @lazy gardener 's signature:
https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

 

[dandread]

Also for last couple days they have not been free ranged, so I guess several factors.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I don't like using layer feed, so I don't. My girls are on finisher crumbles. Your girls are upset because their feed changed. They are looking for what they're used to.

 

[dandread]

I went to pellet feed because of people saying less waste. Well I am getting much more waste. Will give it another few days and see what happens.

Our challenge is we go to the Philippines in another week and have someone taking care of chickens for three weeks who will not have the same concerns as us.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I went to pellet feed because of people saying less waste. Well I am getting much more waste. Will give it another few days and see what happens.

Our challenge is we go to the Philippines in another week and have someone taking care of chickens for three weeks who will not have the same concerns as us.

If your going to be gone for a while, I would have stuck with the crumbles at least until you got back. This way you could monitor more closely.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I agree, they're toppling it looking for their old feed. Once they get used to the new feed they'll stop doing that.

Since you're going to be out of town if they don't take to the new feed by the time you leave, I'd get enough of the old feed to last the time that you're gone, then switch back to the new feed once you're back (if you want). Most chickens don't love pellets but yes they are generally less wasteful than crumble once the chickens get used to it.

 

[Folly's place]

Any change will offend them! It's best to mix the new with the old and make the change gradually. Also, having a feeder that can't be tipped over! I use the Premier1supplies (ugly) yellow plastic feeders, and hang them from the ceiling. The metal feeders work fine too, and can be hung, so they can't be dumped.
Mary