A Quick Question...About Chicken Scratch

[Smittenroade]

To start off I am pretty new at this chicken thing. I have mostly just fed my chickens chicken scratch. Is that okay? Should I get a bag of something with a bit more nutrient quality?

They seem to be doing fine on it so far. Also, they do free range quite a bit. We practically live in the woods so there is plenty to free range on.

 

[Smittenroade]

OH! and btw they are OEGB mixes. I have two RIRs on the way, which I already know to feed them laying feed when they become of age.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

The bag should have the protein % listed on it (on the tag). I think the time I bought scratch it was 10% protein.

Layer feed is usually 16-20% protein. Scratch is usually for a treat (but the old-timers and feed stores will say chickens do fine on it- a lot has been written countering this on BYC). The difference is that the egg production will go down if the protein % isn't adequate in a chicken diet.

Today we want our egg a day- so, the higher protein is better. Also if they are replacing feathers they can use the protein.

Also, some scratch is 2- grain, and others on BYC have mentioned that theirs is 7-Grain. Some scratch is better than others.

I have noticed that my chickens definitely like more protein than just some grain. If I give them too many grains they start picking through and dumping all the feed out on the ground to find the seeds.

Oh- if your chickens aren't laying yet, then you want starter/grower feed. This should be 20% protein or thereabouts. Some companies have starter and grower feed separately sold.

 

[Smittenroade]

Thank you very much! Best answer Ive ever gotten on here. If you had rep I would give you as much as possible.

One more question if you would, what is a good protein substitute? and yes my local feed store did say,"scratch would be all they need."

I want them to have the best diet possible so they can be happy healthy chicharoos!

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

Not sure how old your chickens are but I would go with grower feed if they havent started laying yet. When they start to lay, go to layer feed. Scratch is generally thought of as a treat and a way for them to warm up on cold days. If you want to boost protein, you can use boss(black oil sunflower seed). I also feed mine leftovers, vege and fruit scraps, meat scraps and carcasses, yogurt, cheese. Since you are freeranging, they may not eat as much as mine, who are confined for the winter right now. The best way to know if your cheeps are doing well is to:

A. Handle them. Feel under their feathers to see if they are too thin/fat. You should feed the breastbone but not prominently.
B. Look at their feathers. They should be shiny, in good condition and filled in.
C. Look at their eggs when they start laying. Shells should be even, not thin or thick.
D. Observe your birds! Get to know how they act as individuals and as a flock so that you will know if something is wrong. Know who is lowest on the pecking order as they will be the last to eat anything you put out.

Good luck with your new cheeps and welcome to the addiction!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
Good protein subs ...hmmmm..

Some folks buy the 20%-22% ?flock raiser feed I think it is called and then cut it with scratch to save money (I have no idea how much the flock raiser costs though).

BOSS (as madsenaccord recommended) is around 16% protein and is an excellent food for chickens.

I will try to find some high protein threads.....
here is the treats chart if you haven't seen it already
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=430941&p=1
here's one

 

[Smittenroade]

I read alot of the posts and the chart you put on there. It seems to me that everyone pretty much has different ideas of what constitutes as good protein supplements. many say that BOSS doesnt have enough protein... Where do you get your BOSS from anyways? I suppose I will have to ask the feed local feed store to order me some. Im in texas so the cold isnt much of a problem so they shouldnt need as much protein and fats as a northern bird would need. In the summer they should get most of their protein from bugs, we have alot of bugs out here.

Im thinking if I could get my hands on some BOSS I would be pretty well off. If all fails I can always order it online I suppose.

 

[Pinky]

Places like wal-mart and other stores that sell wild bird seed also sell BOSS.

 

[snowflake]

BOSS is black oil sunflower seed, should be able to find it any were. also don't forget some oyster shell when they start to lay

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
+1 I think BOSS is around 16% protein.