Feeding scratch....

[nharbison0722]

Hi everyone!
At what age can I start feeding my girls chicken scratch? My girls are now about 6 weeks old.
Thanks for your help!

 

[8MerryHens]

I am new to chickens but according to the type of feed I am using (Nutrena), scratch can be started at 16 weeks (the same age they are started on layer feed) and should not make up more than 10% of their diet. I went to a nutrition seminar on chickens and asked if a change in grain had to be gradual and was told no, can just go from chick grower to layer directly. So different from the other livestock/critters I am used to where changes need to be gradual. Cute chicks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine start as soon as they can eat it as they are raised in the flock or are added at around 4-8 weeks.