mash or pellets

gregs1972 · « **on:** October 23, 2007, 16:24 »

what would you suggest to use : mash or pellets ?
Diatom or red mite powder ?
I have made a mix of layers pellets, mixed corn, oyster shell and a bit of chicken spice. Is this ok to mix like this as my chickens will go for the mixed corn every time over the rest ! as winter is coming i will add some oats to the mix.
Should i just stick to one thing ?

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2007, 16:32 »

Feed pellets (or mash) all day. Give an handfull for each chook of mixed corn late afternoon. Don't mix them or the chooks won't eat the pellets :!:

gregs1972 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2007, 16:38 »

so my mix aint really any good for them ! The mix has equal parts in, so will they not bother and eat the pellets then ? does this mean they will hunt around the field for food or go hungry ?

Bodger · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2007, 16:40 »

Mash and pellets have the same ingredients but IMO there tends to be less wastage with pellets.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2007, 16:54 »

Quote from: "Bodger"

Mash and pellets have the same ingredients but IMO there tends to be less wastage with pellets.

True, they can't just pick out the bits they like. Worse than children aren't they

si-mate · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2007, 17:01 »

Pellets are generally better than mash as there is less wastage.

I was told that mash is good if you have birds that fight as it keeps them entertained for longer.

Fenland Girl · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2007, 20:23 »

We went a bit OTT with the corn when we first got our hens and their egg production tailed right off. Bloke who breeds chickens locally told us to cut right back on it and hey presto, they started eating loads more pellets and the eggs went back up to speed! We now only give them corn as a treat every few days.
They are just like kids except that they can't moan about it unlike my 3yr old (not that I give him layers pellets :!: )

pushrod · « **Reply #7 on:** October 25, 2007, 20:28 »

Personally prefer pellets as they seemed able to throw the mash around more and waste it with the feeders i've got. If they have access to corn they will fill themselves up on that and do not take the pellets. If they are mixed they will chuck the pellets or mash about looking for the corn so causing a lot of waste. Waste on the ground will quickly attract vermin. Best to scatter corn in the afternoon so they can scratch around for it. If they are fairly restricted in a run they will also need oyster shell and grit. This can be in a separate trough or scattered occasionally. You know if they are not getting enough cos shells are thin.

muntjac · « **Reply #8 on:** October 25, 2007, 20:35 »

dont know how ya waste mash .its wet n lumpy and in slotted feeders that they only get beaks in

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2007, 22:11 »

That's a good point Munty...

Do you always feed your mash wet ?

How much water do you add (hot or cold) ?

I presume you remove any uneaten mash at the end of the day and replace with fresh in the morning !

muntjac · « **Reply #10 on:** October 25, 2007, 22:16 »

never any left sally.. i throw a couple pints in it stir n leave over night then if its hard n stiff then i put it in trays

this does depend on how many im feeding of course , for 10 get a sweetcorn tin n use 5 scoops mash.add 3 tins water n stir

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #11 on:** October 25, 2007, 22:18 »

Which size sweet corn tin Munt ?

muntjac · « **Reply #12 on:** October 25, 2007, 22:20 »

325 grams one

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #13 on:** October 25, 2007, 22:22 »

and is that what you use to scoop up the mash and measure the water :?:

muntjac · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2007, 22:23 »

yups

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