Pellet feed at what age?

[AvaCabo]

I have a 9 week old mixed flock. I live in Mexico and have a language barrier sometimes at the feed store.
Question: When do I move from growth feed to pellet feed? Is there a difference in the two? I bought them pellets this week and they're not too keen about it. Are they too young or do they not care for the "formula" (if it's indeed different than the growth starter feed)?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You will need to mix old feed and new feed for a bit. Chickens hate change. I generally switch my chicks to a pellet at 3-4 months of age.

 

[AvaCabo]

You will need to mix old feed and new feed for a bit. Chickens hate change. I generally switch my chicks to a pellet at 3-4 months of age.

Yeah, they are not having it...they keep running around chirping at me...like what the HAY is going on here. LOL
I'll buy some of the growth and provide a blend of the two. Thanks.

 

[NNYchick]

You could also wet the pellets down with water to make a mash, this may encourage them to eat it without having to buy another bag.

 

[123RedBeard]

"Crumbles" are just broken up "pellets" ... they could be the same feed formula, or ... not .

Mixing the old, with the newer style may get them to make the change over ...

Try tossing a handful of the pellets like scratch ... they may think it's a new "treat" and pig out on it!

 

[Kiki]

Is the pellet feed a layer type feed?

They are too young for layer feed.

They can stay on the grower feed forever if you buy oyster shell and offer it on the side once they get older.

Can you take a few pictures of the feed bag, including the feed tag, you have now and take some of the other feeds at the store when you go back?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Pelleted feed is usually layer feed, and the way to tell is to look at the calcium %. If it's layer feed, they're still too young for it. Also I've noticed that chickens don't seem to like pellets as much (due to size?) nor layer feed, since it's often a little lower in protein, so it might be best to go back to the feed you were using before for the time being.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'm with the last 2 posters. Pelleted feed is sometimes too large for chicks but that's not the important thing.
Regardless of whether pellets, crumbles or mash, one needs to know the calcium and protein percentage of the feed.
If the pellets are over 2% calcium, it can damage kidneys of 9 week old birds.
Chicks need higher protein and the need diminishes as their bodies mature.
No bird that isn't actively laying eggs should be eating layer feed (3.5-4.5% calcium)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Pelleted feed is usually layer feed, and the way to tell is to look at the calcium %. If it's layer feed, they're still too young for it. Also I've noticed that chickens don't seem to like pellets as much (due to size?) nor layer feed, since it's often a little lower in protein, so it might be best to go back to the feed you were using before for the time being.

My pellet feed is an All Flock.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My pellet feed is an All Flock.

I've only managed to find one feed at my feed store that was pelleted and non-layer... but unfortunately my chickens never really liked it so I went back to their old feed.