On the other hand, feed texture is a major factor influencing feed particle choice by chickens. The preferred particle size increases as the bird grows, and we use this fact in changing from crumbs through to medium and then large pellets with broilers. Chicks are reluctant to eat very large particles, while older birds are reluctant to eat fine particles. As a generalisation, all ages of bird first eat the largest particles presented to them, often with small particles accumulating in the feed trough. We can advantageously use this inherent preference to either stimulate or suppress feed intake to some degree.