Completely Confused about Food

[Dorte]

Quote:
It pops up now and then.

Chris

If it is a myth I'd like to see it removed from the "treats chart" in the learning center

 

[Organics North]

Dorte,
Your point well taken!

Here is from the treats chart sticky:
Scratch
Scratch is cracked corn with grains (such as wheat, oats and rye) mixed in.
Scratch is a treat for cold weather, not a complete feed. Toss it on the ground and let them scratch for it for something to do. Never feed scratch during hot weather because it raises the chickens’ body temperature.

SOOO.. Who wants to PM Buff Hooligans to ask that the wording be changed....

ON

 

[Willow's Meadow]

Don't use scratch as a feed. Throw it on the floor once a day for them to peck at. Give them a layer feed or a flock raiser(but if you feed them flock raiser you will need to give them oyster shells). Don't let them have free access to scratch 24/7. But let them have free access to layer feed all the time. If they are not free ranged give them grit if you are going to give them treats.

I hope that sums it up for you somewhat and helps. Good luck! You sound like you are doing most of it right!!!!

 

[Tamra]

HI, I also just got my flock and they are 2 months old now. I was told to give them crumbles untill 3 months then I can get them on some starter food. These are EE's and for egg layers. They have a 15x25 run for 9 birds and access in and out of their coop all day.
Should I get them on starter food now? Any recommendations on brands/type? Should I also be giving them oyster shells at this point? And one last question.......Does anyone know the cider vinager in the water trick and what the ratio is? I cange their water at least 2x's / day but you know how after awhile the container gets a little yucky around the egdges. I have the hanging water nipples from farmteck and I don't want them to get gross because they look hard to clean.
Thanks for all of your help!
Love this site.....sooooo much info and wicked friendly.

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

I simply don't feed scratch at all because of the high fat content and low protein levels. Instead of it, I stick with BOSS (Black Oil Sunflower Seed) which has a much higher protein content as scratch or cracked corn, around 15-18%. It works great with 16% layer and mine get several handfuls a day, I believe it makes their feathers much shinier, due to the oil.