feeding scratch

[vinniepoch]

hi, we just got 50# of chicken scratch, and were wondering how it should be fed to our chickens. they get a regular diet of chicken feed and vegetables. should it be mixed into their feed, or tossed into their pen like we do with cracked corn? thank you, vinnie

 

[Mahlzeit]

I toss mine in their run just like cracked corn. As a treat.

 

[lux_interior]

Yes, mine get a bit in the morning, and sometimes at night too, just give it as a treat

 

[vnploveschickens]

I toss into the pen in the morning. Its our "good morning" to our 7 chickens. They peck the scratch out of my hand too.

 

[RendonRoo]

scratch is just that. chickens forage for their food in nature and it keeps them from getting bored. I put out about a handful in the morning and afternoons just to give them something to do.

 

[nwgirl]

You can use a separate feed hopper or scatter it on the ground. The rule of thumb is to give them only what they can clean up in 10 to 20 minutes. Some people give scratch just before the chickens retire on cold night which helps keep them warm. Another good idea is to toss it on their litter, so the chickens will stir up the litter and you won’t have to.

 

[al6517]

yes we feed it as a treat and also it helps me get in the coop door without getting trampled LOL.

AL

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

I toss a little into the yard when I let them out in the morning and again when I get home. They can't wait to see me because they know they are getting a treat and will follow me anywhere begging!