Layer Pellets vs Layer Crumble: Which Is Better for Chickens?

Feeding Chickens in Ontario: Seasonal Considerations layer pellets vs crumble

Canadian weather conditions can affect how chickens eat.

layer pellets vs crumble

For backyard poultry owners in Chatham-Kent and Southwestern Ontario, seasonal changes are an important part of flock management.

Winter Feeding Tips for Ontario Chickens

During colder months, chickens may consume more feed because they use additional energy to maintain body warmth.

Helpful winter practices:

Keep Feed Available

Cold weather can increase feed requirements, so monitor consumption regularly.

Protect Feed From Moisture

Snow, rain, and humidity can cause feed spoilage.

Store feed:

• In sealed containers

• Away from moisture

• Off the ground

  
  

Check Feeders Regularly

Frozen or wet feed should be removed to maintain fresh feeding conditions.

Summer Feeding Tips

During hot Ontario summers, chickens may eat slightly less because heat can reduce appetite.

Helpful practices:

• Provide fresh water

• Keep feeders shaded

• Avoid leaving feed exposed for long periods

• Monitor flock behaviour

  
  

Common Mistakes When Choosing Chicken Feed

Many backyard chicken owners focus only on feed price, but several other factors affect the value of your feed choice.

Mistake 1: Choosing Feed Based Only on Price

The cheapest option is not always the best value.

Consider:

• Feed waste

• Storage requirements

• Bird acceptance

• Convenience

  
  

A feed that creates less waste may provide better overall value.

Mistake 2: Feeding Scratch Grain as a Complete Diet

Scratch grain is popular among backyard chicken owners, but it should not replace complete poultry feed.

Scratch grain can be used as:

A supplement

A treat

A way to encourage natural foraging behaviour

However, laying hens still require balanced nutrition.

Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Feed for Bird Age

Different chickens have different nutritional needs.

Examples:

Bird Type	Suitable Feed Type
Chicks	Starter feed
Growing pullets	Grower feed
Adult laying hens	Layer feed
Backyard mixed flock	Depends on flock requirements

Mistake 4: Poor Feed Storage

Even high-quality feed can lose value if stored incorrectly.

Best practices:

• Keep bags dry

• Use airtight containers

• Prevent rodent access

• Avoid direct sunlight

  
  

Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies Expert Advice

At Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies, we speak with Ontario poultry owners every day who want simple answers:

• Which feed should I buy?

• How much feed does my flock need?

• Should I choose pellets or crumble?

• How can I reduce waste?

  
  

Our recommendation is always based on your individual situation:

• Number of chickens

• Bird age

• Egg production goals

• Feeding routine

• Seasonal conditions

  
  

For many adult backyard laying hens, layer pellets are popular because they are easy to manage and often create less waste.

For smaller backyard flocks or birds that prefer smaller feed particles, layer crumble can be a practical option.

Recommended Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies Products

Layer Pellets

Best suited for:

• Adult laying hens

• Backyard flocks

• Small farm operations

  
  

Benefits:

✓ Convenient feeding

✓ Easy storage

✓ Helps reduce ingredient selection by chickens

✓ Suitable for daily feeding routines

Layer Crumble

Best suited for:

• Smaller backyard flocks

• Chickens that prefer smaller feed particles

• Mixed-age flocks where appropriate

  
  

Benefits:

✓ Easy for chickens to eat

✓ Suitable texture for many backyard birds

✓ Convenient for smaller operations

Chicken Scratch Grain

Best suited for:

• Supplemental feeding

• Backyard enrichment

• Natural foraging behaviour

  
  

Remember:

Scratch grain should complement a complete chicken feed program.

How to Switch From Crumble to Pellets (or Pellets to Crumble)

If you decide to change feed type, introduce the new feed gradually.

Recommended transition:

Day	Feeding Mix
Days 1–3	75% old feed + 25% new feed
Days 4–6	50% old feed + 50% new feed
Days 7–10	25% old feed + 75% new feed
After Day 10	100% new feed

A gradual transition helps chickens adjust to a new texture and feeding routine.

FAQ

Are layer pellets better than layer crumble?

Layer pellets are not automatically better than crumble. Both can provide complete nutrition when made from the same formula. Pellets usually create less waste, while crumble may be easier for smaller birds to eat.

Do chickens eat pellets or crumble better?

Every flock is different. Some chickens prefer crumble because of the smaller pieces, while others adapt quickly to pellets.

Can laying hens eat crumble feed?

Yes. Layer crumble is designed for laying hens when it is formulated as a complete layer feed.

Does layer crumble create more waste?

Crumble can sometimes create more dust and smaller particles, which may increase waste depending on feeder design and flock behaviour.

What is the best chicken feed for backyard hens in Ontario?

The best chicken feed depends on flock size, chicken age, and management style. Adult laying hens typically require a complete layer feed suitable for their nutritional needs.

How much layer feed does a hen eat per day?

An average laying hen consumes approximately 100–120 grams of complete feed per day, although consumption varies with breed, weather, and activity.

Can I mix pellets and crumble?

Yes. Some chicken owners mix feed types during transitions or based on flock preference.

How should chicken feed be stored?

Store feed in a cool, dry place using sealed containers to protect it from moisture and pests.