Switching Feed Types

[Pumperkinz]

Hi all,

I’ve tried in the past to switch from grains to pellet but the ladies aren’t really enjoying the pellets, any advice as far as getting them to eat the pellets.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Don't give them a choice.
They won't starve themselves.
The main advantage of pellets is that virtually every bite contains complete nutrition - provided they are fresh.

 

[nuthatched]

Do you mean crumble or scratch or grain type layer feed? Leave them, they'll eat it eventally. They've gotten spoiled by grains, no healthy animal will not eat if there's food.

 

[Pumperkinz]

Don't give them a choice.
They won't starve themselves.
The main advantage of pellets is that virtually every bite contains complete nutrition - provided they are fresh.

Thank you. I’m just the overly worried parent and wanting them to stop being picky. It’s the first time in having chickens for over 1+ year where I’ve noticed them getting picky with the grains and don’t want them to get malnourished as I know it can be a problem.

 

[Kiki]

I agree with not continuing to give them a choice to choose.

Not exactly sure what you mean by grains but if It is a whole type grain feed with different grains in it I would recommend throwing it in the trash immediately and not offering it ever again.

 

[Kiki]

The pelleted feed... They'll get used to it eventually. They will not starve themselves to death.

 

[Kiki]

Thank you. I’m just the overly worried parent and wanting them to stop being picky. It’s the first time in having chickens for over 1+ year where I’ve noticed them getting picky with the grains and don’t want them to get malnourished as I know it can be a problem.

If they've been eating the grains for a whole year then you might have other issues start popping up. Cannot stress enough how important what you feed your birds is.
Feeding whole grains is a not a good idea cuz it gives the birds the option to pick and choose which individual grain they want whether you see it or not.
That in itself, the picking and choosing, causes the bird to not get a balanced diet.

 

[Pumperkinz]

I agree with not continuing to give them a choice to choose.

Not exactly sure what you mean by grains but if It is a whole type grain feed with different grains in it I would recommend throwing it in the trash immediately and not offering it ever again.

Whole grain feed. I’ve used it for awhile but find it easier to do pellets to prevent them from getting picky etc and have already gotten rid of it as a choice as of today.

If they've been eating the grains for a whole year then you might have other issues start popping up. Cannot stress enough how important what you feed your birds is.
Feeding whole grains is a not a good idea cuz it gives the birds the option to pick and choose which individual grain they want whether you see it or not.
That in itself, the picking and choosing, causes the bird to not get a balanced diet.

Yes and this is why I’m switching to pellets as they are very healthy birds but have noticed some of the grains not being touched and don’t want them to have major issues down the line. I keep an eye on them and just noticed it happening this week specifically. Might be the heat as I’m in florida but don’t want them to pick up the bad habits so getting rid of the option altogether.

 

[Pumperkinz]

Do you mean crumble or scratch or grain type layer feed? Leave them, they'll eat it eventally. They've gotten spoiled by grains, no healthy animal will not eat if there's food.

Whole grain layer. No worries it’s just me being a worried chicken parent

 

[Richard1234]

Same thing was happening to my birds when I switched them. Like these other replies are saying, dont give them a choice. They'll notice that its food quickly. Mind learned in like 3 days which was longer than I hoped.