What can be said about using alfalfa pellets as part of the diet for confined gamefowl?

I am wondering if alfalfa pellets can help meet needs my fowl would otherwise satisfy by picking at whatever greens are in reach. I was also thinkin that if I watch intake of alfalfa pellets, then it might be a way birds can tell me pen or tie needs to be moved to a greener pasture.

You have no worries my friend; the chickens WILL NOT EAT THEM. Alfalfa pellets are bitter and chickens don't like them. Here are some alternatives:

Alfalfa, clover or some other high protein hay (this they love)
Alfalfa meal (add to your existing feed, unless you are using pellets, and mix it in)

Why will they consume alfalfa and clover hays but not alfalfa pellets? I have no problem with holding back on "sweeter" feeds to get theme to eat alfalfa pellets. I a doin this to control feed cost.

I don't know what the difference is my friend: I've never eaten either; but it is so. Just trying to save you time and money. doc

Sir,

You have left me in a corner that I must chew myself out of. I gonna take a bite of both alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets to see which is least bitter. I will also see if the birds will conusme the pellets if soaked in something like water.

Try green grass, it's free and good for em... And before you even say it doc, I know your birds don't get grass, but I bet they eat the hell out of pine needles! When you butcher them, do they taste like pine cones? lmao

They alreadt have grass, and forbs which they eat a lot of. It just in short supply during winter.

If you take your lawn clippings and spread them out to dry, maybe throw in a few weeds from the garden for good measure, you've got free 'alfalfa' for the winter.

Grass, GRASS: Your chickens have GRASS? Then you either have to much yard or not enough chickens!!

Now why in the world would you want to eat pellets that have been run through God only knows what? It is a whole lot simpler to just believe me. All you have to do is smell the pellets and then the hay to know the hay is better. It's called natural.

Actually, Faile's advice was both free and good.

Enjoy your breakfast. lol
doc

Free? What are you talking about? Gardening is work, lots of it. The work part is to be reserved for my fowl!




In all seriousness, a couple hundred will need to be fed during winter. My garden is not large enough and I do not have room to dry cuttings. Prefer something I can buy that cost less than typical feeds.