Chicken Feed Crumbles Vs. Pellets – Pros And Cons. Which Should You Use

When it comes to meeting the needs of chickens, there are two types of feed commonly used: pellets and crumbles. The question arises: Do you understand the distinction between these two and their advantages? Which is the better feeding option for your flock? Can chickens eat both pellets and crumbles?

Chicken feeds like crumbles and pellets are appropriate because they have constituents that benefit your chicken’s health. However, if you are starting a poultry farm, you might be curious to know which feed type is better for your chicken. If these questions have ever popped into your head, then you are at the right place. We will address your queries.

Both feeds have ingredients that offer similar benefits to hens. Whether you’re new to the poultry business or seeking insights into chicken nutrition, our article “Chicken Feed Crumbles Vs Pellets” will provide information on their benefits, differences, and similarities. Let’s delve deeper into these two types of chicken feed.

Difference Between Crumbles and Pellets Chicken Feed

Crumbles and pellets differ only in shape and form; they are products produced from the same ingredients for the same goal. 

The manufacturing methods use ingredients that include grains, protein, vitamins, and minerals that have nutritional benefits to the chickens. Nevertheless, there are differences in texture, manufacturing processes, taste nuances, advantages, and pricing. Here, let’s focus on the difference between crumbles and pellets.

Chicken feed texture

The texture of chicken feed is a factor in deciding what your hens prefer to eat. Some hens may lean towards crumbles, while others may pick pellets. The appearance of the feed depends on how it’s made and prepared.

Pellets are produced by crushing grains, proteins, and other essential nutrients into tube-shaped pieces of food that are uniform in composition. Making feed in pellet form minimizes the wastage of grains and supplements. This is an aspect when comparing them to crumbles.

On the other hand, crumbles are created by crushing and reshaping pellets into smaller, irregularly sized pieces during manufacturing. Chickens enjoy eating crumbles rather than pellets due to their shape and lack of uniformity. However, this process can result in some messiness and waste of supplements.

Feed manufacturing

The manufacturing process plays a role in producing chicken feed. It is the milling and subjection of grains, minerals, proteins, etc., to grinding and mixing. The feed is then further processed to make it attractive for hens. Under the force of heat, the material produces pellets that are dense.

The pellets are carefully formulated to contain the balance of protein and nutrients, ensuring they meet the health needs of chickens. Pellets are complex and large in shape, which is unsuitable for young chickens to feed because they are difficult to digest. It is suitable for adult chicken.

Crumbles originate from pellets, the reshaped and resized form of the pellets. They are small in size and have broken pieces of the pellets. The manufacturing process requires more steps and costs to make crumbles. Young chickens’ suitable feed is crumbles, and they like crumbles more because they fulfill their scratching.

Taste Level

Crumbles and pellets have the same taste. Most poultry owners say chickens prefer crumbles on pellets. The flavor of both feeds is the same; they are only different in shape and size. You just need to check your flock’s preference by feeding them both. They will choose texture and form over the other, and you should notice which feed they like more.

Convenience

Convenience is another crucial factor in comparing chicken feed crumbles vs pellets. Typically, pellets are best due to their easy availability in the market. But the crumbles are not comfortably available in the market, and they are also high in cost. Multiple brands of crumbles are now present in the market, confusing you in the selection and may be out of your range.

Which one is right for chicken, feed crumbles or pellets?

It’s up to you which feed you select; crumbles and pellets have the same taste and nutrients. Prefer your flock preference, which they like to eat more. Both are best and suitable for chicken health, but the cost varies. It is best to feed your chickens crumbles at the start of growth, and when they reach adulthood, provide them with pellets.

Which one is high in cost, crumbles or pellets?

They both have the same taste and yum factor. The manufacturing process is the same, and the ingredients used in crushing and mashing are the same. Crumbles require some more steps to finish than pellets. For more steps, The crumbing procedure requires a higher cost. That’s why crumbles are not readily available in the market and have a higher price than pellets.

The pellets cost less than crumble due to the fewer steps of the manufacturing process. 25 Ibs to 30 Ibs packs of pellet feed of famous brands come in 40$ to 60$. But at the same time, 20Ibs bags of crumble feed are available in the market for 35$, which indicates its price is higher than pellet feed.

Feeding Chickens at different ages

Nutritional requirements are different for chickens at different ages. Here is the breakdown you need to understand:

Baby chicks (0-8 weeks) – Starter feed

There is rapid growth of chicks as they grow from chick to pullet. You must feed your chicks starter feed to establish strong bones as well as immunity. Moreover, a starter feed should offer a handsome amount of complete proteins, vitamins, and minerals. You need to ensure the availability of starter feed to your chicks for the first eight weeks. 

Pullets (8-16 weeks) – Grower feed

When your chicks are eight weeks old, they become pullets. It would be best to shift them to grower feed to ensure healthy development. The protein content and the calcium level in the grower feed are slightly lower than starter feed. However, it still includes essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids to support overall health.  

Hens (16+ weeks) – Layer feed

Introducing layer feed is crucial once your pullets enter the laying phase. At this stage, hens require high protein and calcium levels to meet their body needs. Such feed transition is necessary to ensure healthy and strong eggs. However, laying schedule is different for different breeds of chicken. So, make sure the provision of layer feed as soon as they start laying.