Feed

[CalChickens]

Should i give my BO's scratch grain all year, or switch to something else in summer? If so, what?

thanks so much

 

[HEChicken]

Scratch is really only a treat and should be fed in small amounts and occasionally. It would be better to offer a nutritionally balanced feed free choice, and supplement with vegie scraps or free-ranging. I give my girls a couple of handfuls of scratch about once a week, thrown out into the grass for them to scratch through and find.

 

[Imp]

Quote:
If your BOs are hens they should be on a layer feed all year, giving scratch only as a treat. Scratch is not a great feed by itself.

BTW

from Washington

Imp

 

[CalChickens]

thank you for the advice!

 

[atlantachickenwhisperer]

Hey,

At the most, scratch grains should not total more than 10% of their diet.

 

[Gonzo]

scratch grains are a wonderful wintertime treat because it helps the chickens produce body heat.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

gonzo&hispeeps :

scratch grains are a wonderful wintertime treat because it helps the chickens produce body heat.

NO THEY DON'T!

Feeding sctratch grains will actually cause a deficiency in amino acid, vitamin, and mineral intake by diluting the amount of formulated feed they consume.

A little scratch is okay.​

 

[atlantachickenwhisperer]

Hey Backyard Poultry Buffs,

Listen to Dr. Brigid McCrea, PhD, Poultry Scientist, Professor, and Small Flock Specialist teach our listeners about what not to feed our flocks.

Episode 136. Holiday Feast Unfit for the Flock: What not to feed.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/backyardpoultry/2009/12/10/backyard-poultry-with-the-chicken-whisperer

Enjoy!

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

Scratch is supposed to be just a treat, it doesn't have the nutrients they need.

First feed them CHICK STARTER- for 6-8 weeks
Second feed them GROWER CAL- until about 18 weeks
THEN feed them Layer feed for the rest of their life.

And scratch & veggies as a treat