The pullets are coming! Help!

[ChickyChick2]

Also, what are the benefits of crumbled vs. mashed vs pellets for food?

 

[justplainbatty]

Sand is too small to qualify as grit for adult chickens. If you free range, they may be able to find enough stone or pebbles to work. I personally don't leave it to chance especially because they can't find it when the ground is frozen and snow is on the ground. I buy the crushed granite grit for chickens so I never have to worry, they know exactly where to get it. Whether or not pellets or crumbles are better is up to the individual. IMHO, crumbles are easier to digest, easier to check for mold/spoilage and I have good feeders so there is minimal waste. I can't speak to mash or fermented feed. I haven't used them so far. You can look up each in the search bar on the site and find out what other people use and why. Experiment a little and see what works best for you and your birds.

Good luck !