Which feed is better for hens?

[aglosser1117]

As a new chicken owner, wondering which is best, laying pellets or crumbles. Started out feeding crumbles and accidentally bought pellets. Would it be ok to switch over?

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

How old are your hens? Chicks are usually given crumbled because they are not yet large enough to eat pellets. Full grown birds prefer the pellets and you generally have less waste. However if your birds are not yet laying they really should not be given layer feed. It will not kill them, But they really do not need the calcium that is in layer feed. Non laying birds would fair much better on the high protein grower feed.

 

[aglosser1117]

The older hens are a year old and laying. Chicks are 10 weeks

 

[GreenMountainEric]

Don't feed layer feed to the chicks. Wait till they are at least 18 weeks of age. The calcium/phosphorus ratio in the layer feed is way off balance for this stage of their life, and is very unhealthy for them. They should be on a grower feed.


If you want to use only one feed for all- Use a grower feed, and leave out free choice oyster shell for the layers.

To answer the original question- Both pellets and crumbles are fine. Sometimes pellets can be a little too big for smaller birds. Pellets tend to have a little less waste.

 

[aglosser1117]

Thanks!