How much scratch?

[Agilityscots]

I keep a standard-sized coffee mug in my bag of scratch, and I've been giving one or two mugs a day to my girls. But in this cold weather, is more okay? Can I give them four or five mugs a day? I have four, 6.5 month old pullets...I know you're not supposed to overdo scratch or they can get fat, so just making sure.

Amy

 

[Redfeathers]

That's a good question. I have six that I give about a cup to twice a day and I wondered if that was too much. I don't want them to lose interest in the regular feed, so I try not to over do it on the scratch. They get snacks daily too and a little free range time

 

[silkiechicken]

I give one 16 ounce soup can of scratch to 22 chickens per day. Judge about how much layer or grower they are eating, and figure out about how much 10% of that is. It is best to make sure that the scratch you are feeding, is less than that 10%. Too much scratch lowers the protein they are getting and makes hens fat. Fat hens often have prolapse issues as they age or start laying in the spring.

 

[Agilityscots]

Quote:
Mine too...they get lots of fruit, occasional pasta, once in a while a small hunk of cheese, canned cat food (which they go berserk for), etc. I try to limit their treats, but they sure are great garbage disposals.

I love the pic of your Irish Setter in your avatar!

Amy

 

[Agilityscots]

Quote:
Excellent, Silkie! This helps a LOT.

Amy

 

[Churkenduse]

I was told by my supplier that you should not give too much scratch because it is more of a treat and does not have the nutrients of the feed.

This man wants to make money so I believe it.

He also said to only give what they can eat within a few minutes. In the winter it should be given near bedtime to keep them warm.

 

[Wildsky]

I give a cup in the morning and a cup at night - 14 chickens (8 standards and 4 bantams)

I don't know what I'm going to do come spring or summer, I don't want them eating too much in the warm months, and they're so darn used to that cup when I open the coop and the cup before bed.. they are WAITING for me 20 minutes before the treat time!...

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
Both are true. In most areas the scratch is just cracked corn with some barley which means it is about 8% protein, chicken feeds have 16% or more. Corn is in their regular feed, but so are other vitamins and minerals. And I'm certain the supplier wants to make money. LOL

 

[CovenantCreek]

I don't keep track of how much scratch I give mine -- most of it gets left anyway. They're only interested in a few of the grains, the rest become lovely little patches of grass. I guess my property has better treats to offer in the form of bugs and worms and such.