Pellets or Crumbles? A Practical Guide for Your Backyard Chickens
If you’re already feeding your hens our Kalmbach Feeds® Henhouse Reserve®, you know they enjoy the textured mix packed with protein, calcium, and vitamins to support strong, healthy eggs. Some chicken keepers have told our team that their flocks leave the mini pellets for last. That’s where Henhouse Reserve® With Crumbles can help. It’s the same great formula you already love, now in a crumble version designed for picky eaters, and smaller-beaked laying hens, such as silkies or bantams.
Below, our Kalmbach Feeds team shares guidance on when to use the original Henhouse Reserve with pellets, or our new Henhouse Reserve with Crumbles format, how to make the switch, and a few tips to keep your flock happy and productive.
Even More Extraordinary Nutrition to Choose From
All Henhouse Reserve® feeds deliver extraordinary nutrition with wholesome grains, real vegetables, LifeGuard® protection, and YolkProud® support for strong, healthy eggs. You can choose the best format for your flock’s eating habits.
The original Henhouse Reserve with pellets features a textured blend with mini pellets, perfect for most backyard hens who easily peck and digest them. Henhouse Reserve with Crumbles provides the same great nutrition in a softer, smaller bite that’s easier for picky eaters and smaller-beaked hens who prefer crumbles.
When to Use Crumbles vs Pellets
Choose CRUMBLES for:
Bantam & Other Small Breeds
Smaller breeds may find the pellets harder to manage, while crumbles are better for their beak size.
Picky Eaters
If you notice your flock leaving pellets in the feeder, switching to crumbles can help reduce waste.
Choose PELLETS for:
Standard, Mature Laying Hens
Most mature laying hens do well with pellets, which are easy to pick up and provide the same complete nutrition as the crumble version.
Consider a MIX OF BOTH when:
You're in a Transition Period
Mixing pellets and crumbles helps the flock adjust gradually when introducing a new feed type.
Making the Switch
Start with a small batch
Introduce a 50/50 mix of our original Henhouse Reserve with Mini Pellets and our new Henhouse Reserve with Crumbles for a few days to let the flock adapt.
Observe the flock’s response
If the birds eat more of the mix than before, gradually increase the crumble portion.
Check for waste
Less leftover feed in the tray means the new texture works well for your birds. Remember that an adult hen will only eat ¼ to ½ pound of daily feed. Ensure that you aren't expecting your birds to eat way more feed than they actually need.
Other Practical Tips for Your Flock
Storage
Keep both pellets and crumbles in the original package. This is good practice because it keeps product info (lot number being most important) with the feed, so it is available if needed.
Water
Always provide plenty of clean water to keep your chickens well hydrated.
Hanging Feeders
Use hanging feeders in your chicken coop to minimize waste and prevent pests. Chickens can't easily kick feed out of a hanging feeder, and gravity automatically refills the feeder as they eat, minimizing mess and waste. Being off the ground also helps to keep the feed dry, preventing mold and spoilage. Hanging feeders are designed to work with a chicken's pecking behavior, allowing them to eat only a small amount of feed at a time.
Monitor egg quality
Track egg production. Both formats support healthy production, so you should see no differences.
Bottom Line
Henhouse Reserve With Crumbles is a great chicken feed option. For small breeds or hens that avoid pellets, crumbles make the same nutrition more accessible. The original texture works just as well for mature layers that eat pellets comfortably.
Our Kalmbach Feeds team encourages you to experiment and see what your flock prefers. If you notice unusual behavior or health concerns, consult your local veterinarian. You can also contact us at Kalmbach Feeds if you have questions about feeding.
Happy chicken keeping!
Q & A for Henhouse Reserve With Crumbles
What’s the difference between the traditional Henhouse Reserve and the new crumble version?
The traditional version includes mini pellets. The crumble version contains the same formula, but the pellets are broken into smaller, softer pieces. The nutrition (protein, calcium, vitamins, and more) is identical.
When should I use crumbles instead of pellets?
Crumbles are best for hens 16 weeks or older and small breeds with smaller beaks. Pellets are great for mature layers with large beaks.
Can I feed the crumble mix to ducks or geese?
Yes. Henhouse Reserve meets the nutritional needs of all domesticated birds like chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, and it is rooster-approved.
Is the crumble product still specifically formulated for egg production?
Yes. Henhouse Reserve With Crumbles has the same protein, calcium, and vitamin levels as the original Henhouse Reserve with Mini Pellets, formulated to support egg production.
Will switching to crumbles reduce waste?
If your flock tends to leave pellets behind, switching to crumbles may help reduce waste.
How should I transition a flock that’s used to pellets?
Mix about 25% crumbles into the pellets first, then increase gradually over one to two weeks.
Do I need a different storage container for crumbles?
No. Store both formats in the original packaging.
Can I mix the two forms in the same feeder?
Yes. Mixing pellets and crumbles can be helpful during transitions or for flocks with mixed beak sizes.
Is there a recommended amount of water for hens fed crumbles?
No change is required. Just be sure your flock always has fresh water available.
Can I use the crumble mix in a commercial operation?
Yes. Henhouse Reserve operations can substitute or supplement with crumbles, especially for specific groups or during transitions.
Do crumbles work for picky chickens?
Crumbles are often easier for selective eaters or birds with smaller beaks. Contact our Kalmbach Feeds team for flock-specific guidance.