Feeding

[OrpingtonDave]

I am new to raising chickens and have a question about feed. I am currently mixing about 2/3 laying mash and 1/3 scratch grain. My hens are laying well and just wanted to make sure that this is a good mix. I also want to make sure that my Rooster is getting the right nutrition. Any advice?

 

[LilBizzy]

Hello Dave, and

The layer food should be fed straight, as is, and the scratch is more of a treat. Some people will say the layer food has too much of a certain vitamin ( I forget which one) for roosters. I have always had the roosters eat what the girls do, as there isn't much of a way to feed them seperately. They all get treats such as oatmeal, yogurt, veggies, fruits and greens a few times a week.

 

[HEChicken]

I agree with the PP. The laying mash is nutritionally balanced to provide everything they need. If you "water it down" with scratch, they won't be getting everything they need, especially because the scratch is like candy for them so they'll eat it first. I bought a bag of scratch in September. Every couple of weeks I go out and get a handful of it and let them eat it out of my hand. Fed as a treat like this, the bag will last forever. They get so excited when they see me go to the scratch container - practically hop from foot to foot waiting for their treat

 

[cybercat]

If you want eggs you feed layer and not scratch. Scratch puts weight on chickens and lowers protien so they will NOT lay as much. It is junk food but OK in winter as a way to keep weight up.

 

[lildinkem]

I like the layer strait during the warmer months, and during the frigid cold I mix in some Flock Raiser.

 

[OrpingtonDave]

Thanks for the advice. I'll use the scratch as a treat and feed them straight laying mash with the kitchen scraps they get every other day or so. Nice to have all these experienced people so willing to help!

 

[PandoraTaylor]

from Alaska

I use 50 Layer/flock raiser or gamebird
2-3 cups Scratch or Corn (daily in winter) as a treat
Oystershell Freechoice
Grit Freechoice

plus greens & kitchen scraps daily....