Question: Pellets vs. Crumble

[NagemTX]

I feed right now all Nutrena products but one that is Purina. Feed is Nutrena all flock pellets 20%, Nutrena chick starter / grower 18% mixed with Nutrena meat bird crumble 22%(2 to 1) and Purina all flock 20%. The crumbles are gone before the pellets in most pens. I do give choice of the Purina all flock crumble and the Nutrena all flock pellets in all pens but the ones with chicks they get the chick starter grower / meat bird crumbles. I do it this way because I have some very small bantams that have issues with the pellets. Should I just switch to all crumble? I've been looking for the Nutrena all flock crumble but can not find it south of Houston TX.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you're satisfied with the crumble feeds and the birds aren't making a mess of it (which is the main reason I don't like crumble) then there's no reason to bother with pellets as well.

 

[NagemTX]

If you're satisfied with the crumble feeds and the birds aren't making a mess of it (which is the main reason I don't like crumble) then there's no reason to bother with pellets as well.

I've found my solution to keeping the mess contained. I use the saucers that are mending for plant pots. I put the feeders in them so the feed is still available if they knock it out. The 17.5 inch ones are great for this.

 

[StinkyAcres]

My birds make a mess of crumble as well and they seem to waste more of it. But I rotate between the two due to availability - pellets in the warm months and crumble in the cool months. I like to think that way they don't get bored with one type or the other.

 

[Rick589]

When feeding crumble or pellets my chickens end up pulverizing both to near dust. I’ve been separating this dust and making a mash out of it periodically. Seems to be a treat for them for some chicken reason.

 

[FrostRanger]

Which one you use is very much personal preference. I detest crumbles due to how messy they are so I fast track my birds to pellets. If crumbles are working for you and you and your flock, no need to use pellets if you don't want to

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree. As long as you are happy with the nutrient make-up, what form you feed is personal preference. Your convenience is important. Waste is important. Some people have mentioned how they combat waste. Commercial operations have different feeders and feed distribution systems. Certain feed forms will work better with certain equipment. Not sure how you feed, manual or automatic. Is buying or storing different feed forms a problem? These are the types of things I'd consider.

 

[NagemTX]

I agree. As long as you are happy with the nutrient make-up, what form you feed is personal preference. Your convenience is important. Waste is important. Some people have mentioned how they combat waste. Commercial operations have different feeders and feed distribution systems. Certain feed forms will work better with certain equipment. Not sure how you feed, manual or automatic. Is buying or storing different feed forms a problem? These are the types of things I'd consider.

I have the waste taken care of. I always have chicks so I think crumble is how I'm gona go. Plus I have OEGB and they are tiny even compared to other bantams.

 

[ChookaPete]

I start off my chooks on crumble when they are pullets.
Then I introduce mixed grain.

As they begin to lay I fill one feeder box with 20kg layer pellets, and the other with 20kg mixed grain. I switch the type of feed between them as each runs out.