Transitioning from crumble to pellet feed

[loveclucks]

Please help! I switched my hen's feed from crumbles to organic pellets and they seem really pissed and will barely eat the pellets. They"scream" at me like they're starving every time they see me. Will they eat before starving to death? Should I mix the crumbles and the pellets together or just offer the pellets? Should I stop all treats until they adjust to the pellets? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks to Backyard Chickens for the wealth of information that has enabled me to keep a happy, healthy backyard flock of 10 for 4 years with no problems other than this one.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They won't starve to death, they just hate change. I would stop all treats until they accept the pellets. You can try mixing in some of their old crumble, to see if that eases the transition, but don't be surprised if they bill out the pellets to get to the crumble.

You can also try moistening the pellets a little, just so they're a little soft, for a couple of days, as that might be more appetizing to them.

 

[chickenman909]

I would mix the old feed with the new feed and gradually put les of the old fed in and see how that works

 

[ashlierami]

Please help! I switched my hen's feed from crumbles to organic pellets and they seem really pissed and will barely eat the pellets. They"scream" at me like they're starving every time they see me. Will they eat before starving to death? Should I mix the crumbles and the pellets together or just offer the pellets? Should I stop all treats until they adjust to the pellets? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks to Backyard Chickens for the wealth of information that has enabled me to keep a happy, healthy backyard flock of 10 for 4 years with no problems other than this one.

I had the same issue about 2 weeks ago. I actually bought these pellets by mistake. I didn't read the label and thought the pellets were crumbles. After I got the food home and opened I thought it would be no big deal, that is until they refused to eat them. I noticed there is less waste with these. I mixed their corn with these pellets and it didn't work so then I wet it slightly and added citrus infused bird seeds. This did the trick they started to try it and eat it better. Now week 2 and they eat the pellets dry with alittle citrus seed still mixed in. I'll gradually add less and less citrus seed until they will eat it without. Good luck

 

[Seaecho]

I always moisten my chickens' feed, even if I'm not feeding fermented for that meal. I find they find it more palatable, and don't waste any. I don't use pellets though, only crumble and mash.

 

[lazy gardener]

Was it the same formulation, or did you switch from starter to grower or layer? Birds will balk at a lower protein feed, as well as a change in the texture. Also, check the mill date. If over 6 weeks old, it could be stale. Feed 6 weeks past the mill date is loosing nutrients due to oxidation.

Agreed, remove all other feed sources. perhaps toss some pellets on the ground. My birds think they are getting a treat when ever it's thrown on the ground. I also ferment my feed, so it makes little difference whether I start with mash, crumble, or pellets.