Adding protein to scratch?

[PreemieMomma]

Our small local store didn't have any starter or grower feed and they recommended to my DH who didn't know any better, to buy scratch. *sigh* so dh filled their feeder with scratch for our 9 week old birds (5 pullets, 1 rooster)

So I' wondering what I can supplement the scratch with to be sure our birds our getting enough protein and adequate nutrition. We free range part of the day, but not all day.

 

[RJSorensen]

I can see your problem, our local scratch is only 9% protein, not enough for growing birds for sure. As far as grains go you could look into red wheat, but with all the whole grains you are most likely feeding, I hope you have grit for them. Changing from mash which does not require grit, to whole grain scratch is quite a change for your flock.

However I don't know what your scratch consists of… so it is all conjecture on my part. I think I would put the scratch back in the bag and find the proper feed for your birds. If your scratch is whole grains, it will keep, and you can use it later on. I have not done this, but I know of folks who add calf manna, the white milk replacer to their feed mix. It is a powder and is very high in protein.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

 

[Den in Penn]

Meat scraps, legumes like peas, dig up worms. If you have a dog or cat their food is as so higher in protein and can be feed for a emergency feed. If you run into the problem again ask if they have an all flock, that is higher in protein then scratch and can be feed regularly to chicks that are past the fuzzy faze.

 

[Percheron chick]

You honestly will do no harm feeding them the scratch for a few days until you can get back to the feed store and buy either chick or game bird starter or an all flock feed. Dump what scratch is left back in the bag and use it for what it is intended, a treat or training tool.

 

[Chris09]

You honestly will do no harm feeding them the scratch for a few days until you can get back to the feed store and buy either chick or game bird starter or an all flock feed. Dump what scratch is left back in the bag and use it for what it is intended, a treat or training tool.

Judging by this statement you really don't know what "scratch" is or what it used for either.
I will let you know this, Not all scratch is the same and it is used for a lot more than a "treat" or "training tool"
More and more feed manufactures are making a higher protein feed (20% protein and higher) and recommending cutting it with lower protein scratch.
The misinformed seem to think there is only one type of scratch and that it is a treat or training tool. But in reality if used correctly it can be a very important part of your birds diet.

Quote from Buckeye Nutrition

A 20% protein pelleted crumble to feed poultry with scratch or cracked corn.

Feed to laying hens at the rate of 60% Gold Standard Laying Crumbles and 40% grain. For lighter weight hens and hens in extremely heavy production, the level of
Gold Standard Laying Crumbles to grain may be increased to 70% Crumbles and 30% grain

40% Poultry Concentrate
May be mixed with local grains at the mill or on the farm to make a complete poultry feed



Quote from ADM Alliance Nutrition

Specifically designed to meet the needs of domestic layers when fed with scratch grains and oyster shell.To be fed 50/50 with good quality scratch grain plus free-choice oyster shell.

Quote from Kent/ Evergreen/ Blue Seal

An all-purpose poultry feed for laying hens, turkeys, geese, ducks, pheasants and game birds. This nutrient profile makes it suitable for a number of species including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, peafowl, ducks, geese, guineas, waterfowl and other miscellaneous poultry. It is non-medicated and can be fed as a complete feed to younger birds. It can also be mixed with grain for older birds.

36GM poultry base
A supplement designed to be mixed with grain to make developer and laying feeds for replacements, layers, and as an option for broilers. Its nutrient profile is especially suited for use in making feeds for egg strain birds. In addition to being adequately fortified with vitamins and minerals, it also contains ingredients believed to help the birds withstand stressful conditions better.