crumb=mash?

[raine]

Hi, can anyone tell me if crumb is the same as mash? Just got e-mail from rehoming and they said that we need to keep the hens on mash for a month (i knew they had to have it just didn't know how long) I have bought in some crumb specially formulated for ex-batts but don't know if it's the same. Anyone know?

[Suechooks]

Haven't actually seen the crumb but it should be much the same. Meal/mash is sort of lumpy powder. Crumb probably has something to keep the grains together (like pellets but less so). Its the appearance that matters to the ex-batts as they have only been fed dry meal so don't recpgnise anything else as food (they soon get the idea of other stuff!) I guess you're getting them thro BHWT? As they have been involved in development of the ex-batts crumb and pellets I'm sure it'll be ok. If they seem confused by it just put it in food processor or use a rolling pin to make it finer for a few days.

[Hans Mum]

i got ex-batts last week and just wizzed up to make it finer, but by the 3rd day they were eating pellets so didnt bother wizzing anymore up they are now eating anything and everything....they found my girls poridge yesterday and nearly committed murder to get to it....this morning i put a huge bowl in and theyve devoured it....it hasnt taken them long

[Snadger]

Crumb is finer and is usually used for chicks i.e chick crumb! Has a different nutrient make up as well methinks!

[raine]

It says it's for ex-batts so i'm thinking it must be for hens at least 1 season old. Or am I wrong? Snadger, if it is for young 'uns will the nutrient have a detrimental effect if it's only used for a very short time? Otherwise that's a great idea to whizz it up

[kirsty b]

If its for ex-batts specifically it will probably be ideal. It might just have more protein in it to help them with re-growth of feathers as that can take a lot out of them.

[Suechooks]

Crumb is finer and is usually used for chicks i.e chick crumb! Has a different nutrient make up as well methinks!

Allen and Paige have brought out a special food crumb or pellets for ex-batts in collaberation with BHWT who have trialled it. Its in their Smallholder range. There's been some discussion on PPF about it

[raine]

That's the same stuff- so it should be ok to feed them that from the get go?

[Suechooks]

That's the same stuff- so it should be ok to feed them that from the get go?

Definitely! It's made for them with extra calcium etc. Watch that they are eating it but I'm sure they'll be fine.
Good luck!!!

[raine]

OH DEAR-Just had e-mail back from the BHWT and the crumb is not the same as layers mash (although it's very good for them) so I'm gonna have to get some different stuff-anyone know who delivers real quick!?

[RedThorn]

Hi Raine... do you have your girls yet? If not when are they arriving? Do you have a car? Is Harlow to far for you to drive if you do?

[Suechooks]

OH DEAR-Just had e-mail back from the BHWT and the crumb is not the same as layers mash (although it's very good for them) so I'm gonna have to get some different stuff-anyone know who delivers real quick!?

I wouldn't panic as the BHWT co-ordinator I had told me to just crush up some pellets and not bother with mash! Any agricultural supplier (and some big pet shops)will have layers meal if you feel you need to but if it was me I think I'd stick with the crumb, and maybe whizz it down. Most people feed what they want to - see previous threads on this forum and the hens just want food.

[Hilary B]

OH DEAR-Just had e-mail back from the BHWT and the crumb is not the same as layers mash (although it's very good for them) so I'm gonna have to get some different stuff-anyone know who delivers real quick!?

BHWT have to be perfectionists when making recommendations. Like all such counsel of perfection, it can usually be taken with a little common sense.

[MaureenHall]

I must admit that when I first got my ex-batts, I didn't give them crumb or mash, just started them on layers pellets straight away. I think it took them about an hour or so to cotton on that it was food

[raine]

Right, that's made me feel a bit easier, I was nearly heading out to Harlow (not far, I'm in Chigwell row). The girls are arriving on saturday so i'll let you all know how it turns out!