What is the difference between laying mash and laying pellets? I have used the pellets but have never heard of the mash. Thanks.

-- Lynn(MO) (mscratch1@semo.net), March 15, 2001

Answers

Basically, its the same stuff, just in different forms. The pellets or crumbles are just what they imply, the mash is in a powered form, without any shape to it. If you pulverized a pellet, you would have the mash. Chickens do equally well with either one and there is no difference in food value.

-- melina b. (goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com), March 15, 2001.

I much prefer the pellets, as there is less waste (lost spillage) than with mash. I know there are folks who use the mash, but I don't know what the advantage is. GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), March 15, 2001.

I like the laying mash for my chickens. I have different types and sizes so the smaller type chickens (like bantes) can eat the mash alot easier.

-- sara (tshoos@peoplepc.com), March 15, 2001.

Lay mash is grains etc crushed but left loose, the pellets are formed. Pellets are a little more expensive, but there is less waste. The pellets are also not as dusty which is easier on clean-up/ air quality in the coop. The chickens seem to fill up quicker when feeding pellets and I find they get "bored" easily(especially in the winter) and have more behavior problems, picking at each other etc. So I also feed a scratch mix they can "play with" also putting water and feed at opposite ends of coop to make them travel keeps them a little busy too. Hope this helps.

-- Terri in NS (terri@tallships.ca), March 17, 2001.

Have used both but find FAR less waste with pellets, which in turn makes clean up less work and less feed for the *@%#&%$& rodents.

-- dan (dcbaker@2ki.net), March 18, 2001.

Different feed companies offer different feed forms too. mash is the powdery dusty stuff and is usually cheapest. Crumbles is a crumb like form that is excelent for young and small chickens. Pellets are a tad bigger again. I always used the crumb type and had much less waste and mess than the mash. For interest I would hang an apple or a couple cabbage leave from the coop ceiling or offer veggie scraps . Keeping a box of sand and woodash helps give them something to pick and scratch at as well as dust bathe in helps with chicken boredom too. Lining their floor with newspapers gives then something fun to rip and helps alleviate chicken boredom.

-- Alison in Nova Scotia (aproteau@istar.ca), March 22, 2001.