When it comes to feeding your backyard chickens, choosing the right type of feed is crucial for their health and overall well-being. Pellets and crumbles are two popular forms of chicken feed, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The Pellets vs Crumble question has been a question for quite some time, and there are a lot of good points to bring up. The truth is that both feeds offer pros and cons.
In this article, we will go through what they are, the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as how to store your chicken feed properly.
What are Laying Pellets?
Laying pellets are a type of feed designed specifically for laying hens, which are chickens that are kept for the purpose of egg production. These pellets are formulated to provide the necessary nutrients and minerals that hens require to produce high-quality eggs.
Laying pellets usually contain a balanced mixture of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals, as well as other essential nutrients that hens need to stay healthy and productive. They typically have a higher calcium content than other types of poultry feed, as calcium is critical for the development of strong eggshells.
Advantages of Layer Pellets
- Uniform – They are typically uniform in size and shape, making them easy to measure and feed.
- Structure – Pellets are also less likely to separate or create dust, which can be a problem with crumbles.
- Digestion – Additionally, pellets are designed to be more easily digested, so chickens tend to produce less waste when fed pellets. Each pellet contains exactly the same nutrition as the last, making it easy to keep your chickens on a strict regimen.
- Automatic Feeders – Automatic feeders work best with layer pellets since they tend to not get stuck or turn into dust nearly as much as other chicken feeds.
Drawbacks of Layer Pellets
- Cost – One downside of pellets is that they can be more expensive than crumbles. For people on a budget, pellets will cost you in the long run.
- Protein Content – Pellets also tend to have a higher protein content, which may not be suitable for all types of chickens or for all stages of their development. This, however, can be a good thing for a laying/molting hen.
- Chicken Preference – Some chicken keepers find that their chickens prefer crumbles over pellets. Since crumbles are usually in all different sizes, chickens tend to pick through them naturally.
What are Layer Crumbles?
Layer crumbles are another type of feed that is commonly used for laying hens. They are similar to laying pellets in that they are specially formulated to provide the essential nutrients and minerals that hens need to produce high-quality eggs.
Layer crumbles, as the name suggests, are a crumbled form of feed, as opposed to the pellet form of laying pellets. The crumbles are designed to be easier for younger birds to eat, as they are smaller in size and easier to digest. Layer crumbles are typically made from a similar blend of ingredients as laying pellets, but they are just in a different form.
Advantages of Layer Crumbles
- Cost – Layer Crumbles are often less expensive than pellets, making them a good choice for those on a budget.
- Protein Content – Crumbles also tend to be lower in protein, which can be beneficial for certain types of chickens or for chickens in different stages of development. I see this as an advantage and disadvantage. You want your chickens to have plenty of protein, especially laying hens and hens that are molting.
- Easier to Consume – Layer Crumbles are easier for chickens to consume. Some chickens may have problems eating laying pellets. For these chickens, layer crumbles are the way to go.
Drawbacks of Crumbles
- Dust – Layer Crumbles tend to break down into dust much easier which can make it more difficult to measure and feed than pellets.
- Digestion – Layer Crumbles also tend to be less easily digested, which can result in more waste.
- Susceptible to Moisture – Layer Crumbles tend to be more susceptible to moisture seeing as they break down into dust easier. You’ll have to make sure that if you do store crumbles to make sure to store them so they aren’t affected by moisture. You should also consider this if you live in a more humid environment since moisture will also get to the crumbles you feed them daily.
- Gravity – If you’re used to a gravity-based feeder, a crumble will tend to clog it up much easier than a laying pellet would. You’ll find yourself having to intervene quite often to unclog your feeder.
How to store your Chicken Feed
Proper storage of chicken feed is important to ensure its quality and freshness. Here are some tips on storing your chicken feed:
- Keep feed in a dry and cool place: Moisture and heat can cause feed to spoil and grow mold, which can be harmful to your chickens. The ideal temperature for storing feed is between 50-70°F.
- Store feed in airtight containers: Airtight containers can help to prevent moisture and pests such as rodents, insects, and birds from accessing and contaminating your chicken feed. Plastic or metal containers with tight-fitting lids are good options for storing feed.
- Store feed off the ground: Elevating your feed off the ground can help to prevent moisture and pests from accessing it. A shelf or a raised platform can be used to store feed.
- Label and rotate feed: Labeling and rotating your feed can help to ensure that the oldest feed is used first, reducing the risk of spoilage. It’s also important to keep track of the expiration date of your feed.
- Store feed in a separate area: Keeping feed in a separate area away from your chickens can help to prevent contamination and reduce the risk of pests. A designated feed room or storage area can be used for this purpose.
Should you feed Pellets or Crumbles to Chickens?
There is no definitive answer to whether pellets or crumbles are better for chickens. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on a number of factors, including your chickens’ breed, age, and individual preferences, as well as your budget and feeding goals.
If you’re not sure which type of feed to choose, you may want to try offering your chickens both pellets and crumbles and seeing which they prefer. You could also consult with a veterinarian or a chicken feed specialist for guidance.
It’s worth noting that regardless of whether you choose pellets or crumbles, it’s important to ensure that your chickens have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Additionally, it’s a good idea to supplement their diet with treats such as fruits, vegetables, and mealworms to provide them with a varied and balanced diet.
If you enjoyed this article, I’ve also written an article on Laying Pellets vs Scratch. There’s a clear winner in that article, go check it out!