Switch from Layer Crumbles to Mash

[jtbrown]

I asked about price of Mash at our local feed store (mill), it is 12 dollars for 50 pound bag. So I bought 2 mash and 2 crumbles (oops put pellets in on accident -- thinking and typing) and mixed them in the two bins I use to scoop feed out of. Just to see if I could cut cost of feed and maintain the flock. Anyone use only mash? The protein is a percentage or so down in Mash from the Layer crumbles. Anyone have not success or success doing this? It is an experiment, so, I can go back to the other, but any input would be great.

Edited to add -- almost forgot $12 for Mash 50# and $15+change for Layer Crumbles (purina)

 

[LarryPQ]

Mash or crumbles?

 

[Fred's Hens]

I've tried them all over the years. I like the ease of pellets. Really do, but the cost? It got insane.

I've switched to the mash and do NOT mix as that encourages my birds to pick and toss, so I don't do it. Your Mileage May Vary.
I only pay 50% of the cost for mash and it is better, actually. My pellets were only 16% and the mash is Hubbard 17%. They love it. I do moisten it with some water and stir. The result is virtually identical to crumbles. I'll not buy pellets again until they are the same price, which, isn't going to happen.

 

[jtbrown]

Oops sorry LareePQG -- I meant crumbles (I was thinking as I typed that the pellets were even more expensive). All crumbles and mash, no pellets involved. Thanks. I changed original post -- and noted it.

 

[chicmom]

Is the mash like a powder? I got a bag once and I just didn't like the looks of it. I don't think my flock cared much for it either.

 

[jtbrown]

It is like powder, it doesn't smell bad. I have to tell you, my birds are not picky, they all walked around with their crops sticking clear out because the attacked it like it was a treat last night. To say they loved it is somewhat of an understatement.

My husband even looked at them and said, "Oh my gosh, look at their thingy sticking out." (he is so not up on chicken anatomy

)

 

[Fred's Hens]

The mash "appears", at first, to look like a coarse flour, but when you add a bit of water and stir, you see that it is actually more coarse than crumbles. It is ground by the local miler and they can grind it fine or more coarse if they wish, I suppose. Ours only come the way they mill it. Again, it is Hubbard feed and it is outstanding, the birds took right to it, no adjustment period at all, and the eggs have been super, and most important, hens are fine looking and healthy. We also have another local mill that is Kalmbach feeds. Their grind is a bit finer and the product is a click below the Hubbard, in my opinion, but quite good, nonetheless.

$19.50. No that's not a 50# bag, but rather a 100# bag. Cannot touch it price wise anywhere else.

 

[mychoock]

This is interesting. I free-feed crumbles which are 17 or 18 %, but on cold mornings when I bring out the mash with warm water, my chickens eat it all up right now. Then the dog licks the bowl clean. The mash is also around 17%, and I like the way it looks, very grainy.

 

[Chris09]

I feed a mash and the birds are doing well on it.
I mix my own mash so I can add Molasses, Wheat Germ Oil and some Cod Liver oil to the mix to cut the dust.
Right know I am feeding a mixture of Hubbard's Chick-En-Egg Concentrate, Ground Corn, Fish Meal, Alfalfa Meal and Ground Limestone (feed grade) and adding just enough of the Molasses, Wheat Germ Oil and Cod Liver Oil to cut the dust and bind it a little.

Chris

 

[Easter eggers]

I only feed mash to my birds with the exeption of treats