Scratch needed if they're free range?

[aka Rachel]

Do free range chickens need added scratch in the summer? Or will just mash and treats do?

 

[portlandpeeps]

Hi, and welcome! I always give my free range hens access to layer food all the time. I also give them occasional treats of fruit, veggies and cracked corn.

Hope this helps answer your question.

 

[TM Chickens]

Chickens never need scrach. It's like chicken candy. So your birds should be just fine.

 

[scbatz33]

I give it to them occassionally as a treat.

 

[aka Rachel]

Great, thanks

 

[firstchicken]

Mine love dandelion leaves (delicacy)

I give it to them when their in the coop and they love it.......

 

[mdbokc]

I used scratch to sort of train the girls where I wanted them to spend their time, even though they are free to go where they want. Makes it much easier to keep track of them when multitasking outside.

 

[mendogurl]

Quote:
Can you explain more what you were trying to do, and how you did it?

 

[ams3651]

Quote:
I tend to do the same thing, to keep them on my side of the road because they sometimes wonder. I will throw the scratch down on the side of the house in the grass to keep them busy over there and away from the front of the house and the road. I throw about one handful for each bird.

 

[Dinkadoo]

I bought scratch to try to train my girls to stay in a certain area. But alas they could care less about the scratch. maybe it will grow on them.