{"title":"Layers pellets \u0026 layers mash","description":"\u003cp\u003eLayers pellets and layers mash are the main feed for hens that lay eggs: a complete compound feed in which protein, minerals, vitamins and extra calcium are already in the right proportions. That makes it the daily basis of the ration, to which grain and treats only add something. On this page you can read how to choose between pellets and mash and how to offer the feed so that little goes to waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePellets or mash: the difference in practice\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth\u003eForm\u003c\/th\u003e\u003cth\u003eStrong point\u003c\/th\u003e\u003cth\u003eNote\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003eLayers pellets\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eChickens cannot pick out the tastiest bits, and less dust and leftover feed remains.\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eA pellet is eaten quickly; chickens then have more free time to get bored.\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003eLayers mash\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eChickens spend longer eating, which keeps things calm in the run. You can mix it with a little water into a crumbly wet mash.\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eMash is dusty and sticks to the beak; wet mash must be eaten the same day.\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003ePreferably do not switch too often. Chickens are creatures of habit and sometimes eat less for a few days after an abrupt change. When switching, mix the new feed into the old gradually.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to get the most out of layers feed\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eMake layers feed freely available all day in a covered feeder tower or feeder, so it stays dry and is not soiled with bedding. Only give \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mixed-corn-for-chickens\"\u003egrain\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mealworms-and-chicken-treats\"\u003emealworms\u003c\/a\u003e later in the day and in small amounts; a hen that snacks in the morning leaves the balanced feed. Supplement with separate \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grit-and-oyster-shell\"\u003egrit and oyster shell\u003c\/a\u003e, so each hen can take what she needs. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/peck-blocks-and-chicken-toys\"\u003epeck block\u003c\/a\u003e such as the Lax peck block for laying hens is an activity alongside the feed, not a replacement for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePoints to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLayers feed is made for adult hens in lay. Chicks and growing young hens need their own grower feed; only give layers feed when the first eggs are on the way. For cockerels in a mixed flock, layers feed is usually not a problem, but keep the grain limited. Store an opened bag cool, dry and sealed against mice. More feed and treats are under \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-feed-and-treats\"\u003echicken feed and treats\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich is better for chickens, layers pellets or layers mash?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBoth are complete. Pellets mean less waste, mash keeps chickens busy for longer; choose what suits your feeder and your flock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan chicks eat layers pellets?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePreferably not. Layers feed contains extra calcium for the eggshell; young birds get a grower feed until they start laying.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I still need grit alongside layers feed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLayers feed on its own needs little grit, but chickens that also eat grain or forage little benefit from a separate dish of grit.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.fidello.co.uk\/collections\/layers-pellets-and-mash.oembed","provider":"Fidello","version":"1.0","type":"link"}