Purina Farm to Flock feed?

[blondie55555]

Thinking to try this new feed. Also contemplated Nutrena Nature Wise Harvest Blend. Wondering if all the ingredients will make them pick out what they like only, and spoil them to not eat the pellets? Or is it good to have the variety of ingredients? They are currently eating layer pellets.

Any input will be appreciated.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If this is a feed with separate components (grains, seeds, etc.) then it's best if you can ferment or at least serve it wet, to prevent birds from picking out favorite bits and leaving behind the fines that contain vitamins and minerals.

 

[Eclipse3]

My chickens pick out the seeds etc and leave all of the pellets strewn around on the ground. It's a great idea in theory, but a waste of money in reality.

 

[blondie55555]

Thank you, that’s what I suspected.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I have never had a problem with this type of feed either with pellets or mash vitamins. If you feed them the correct amount they will clean up everything. What did the birds eat before pellets? YMMV

 

[Eclipse3]

I have never had a problem with this type of feed either with pellets or mash vitamins. If you feed them the correct amount they will clean up everything. What did the birds eat before pellets? YMMV

Not sure who this question was aimed towards, but I figured I would throw my answer in the ring lol! My chickens have always preferred the crumble over pellets anyway, so if I mess up and grab a bag of pellets, they act like they are starving and follow me around for treats even more than normal. They have feeders and are allowed to free feed, so that's why they just throw the pellets all over and just eat the "good stuff"

 

[blondie55555]

Thank you all for your input. I don’t have any issues with them eating pellets, however last 3 bags of pellets are crumbling to powder in the feeders. I’ve been using Nutrena Nature Wise Hearty Hen for last 2 years. It’s good dates, stored in bags in metal trash cans, doesn’t look or smell bad. Not sure if they’ve changed their formula or what’s going on. I ordered Kalmbach 20% Flock Maker from Chewy. I have oyster and eggs shells available for them.

 

[Corryn]

Just want to add my experience: My flock have been eating the Harvest Blend for about 8 months and yes, absolutely, they pick out only what they want to eat, but they have an acre of property they walk around on to forage and sometimes they fly out of their area and come up to the house to eat the dogs’ food (raw meat). I should add only the very daring come up for that lol
I have been thinking of putting regular crumble back in their feeders and using the Harvest Blend as a scratch like I used to do because it’s such a waste of food now. Even tho I put it in their feeders, they go nuts-O when I throw it out as scratch

 

[blondie55555]

Thank you for your input