giving scratch grains to 11 wk pullets

[FossilRokRanch]

I've got 22 RSL pullets. I give cast about a cup a day on the litter in the coop each evening for 2 reasons: to get them to clamour into the coop for the night and to get them to stir up the deep litter.

Question is, is a cup or so too much for them?

 

[Tala]

Divided among 22 birds, I think it's probably fine.

1/20th of a cup is what, like a teaspoon?

 

[hen-at-home]

How much scratch grain is too much? I throw out 3 handfuls each morning into their run for 8 chickens. Maybe that equals 3/8 of a cup... maybe a bit more?

 

[shopchicks]

Quote:
I am no expert, but I think it depends on what is in it. I looked at some recipes for whole-grain chicken feed, and tried to incorporate some of those ingredients into my scratch to make it more nutritious. So mine has sunflower seeds, flax, hard white wheat and lentils mixed in with the commercial Purina scratch. I think I have at least a year's supply mixed up, but when that's gone, I think I will do away with the commercial scratch altogether and use a feed mix recipe for my scratch instead.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
For adult hens I'm sure it's fine. You want growing chicks to eat their "veggies" so to speak, their nutitious food rather than filling up on corn snacks.

I also mix BOSS in with the regular "scratch grains" which is mainly Milo and cracked corn.

 

[hen-at-home]

I'm just using straight Blue Seal chicken scratch. I'd like to add BOSS, but can it just be the same stuff I'd feed the wild birds or does the BOSS have to be a different grade or quality for the hens?

 

[Tala]

Quote:
It's all "for the birds"

There is no difference whatsoever, in fact, I've never actually seen it marketed as for HENS - I get it from the wild bird department at TSC.

 

[hen-at-home]

Ok then! That makes it easy. BOSS will be added to my grain store list. Thank you!!

 

[bigoakhunter]

Scratch is O.K. for chickens, as long as you don't overdo it! In the amounts you are talking, it is fine. It is also a better winter treat than summer. IMO As long as your pullets are not too fat, it is fine. Adding BOSS is great. I use Boss as a treat on it's own. I can get it fairly cheap at local elevator.