How Often Should Chickens Be Offered Scratch?

[chicmom]

Hello! My chickens get some scratch in the evenings during the winter. I guess it's harder to digest so it brings their body temps up, which is great for those very cold winter nights.

Scratch and cracked corn are like candy to a chicken. They absolutely love it! And, if given too much it will make them fat--they would definitely prefer the scratch grains over the regular food if given a choice.

I think a little bit of corn daily (like a handful per hen), is ok because it gives them something to scratch at and keeps them entertained.

That's just my humble opinion.....

Sharon

 

[A.T. Hagan]

All of my birds get whole grains free choice all day long. But I feed a 20% protein mash ration so it balances out. If I were only feeding a 15-16% laying ration I'd only give them about a half-handful per bird per day.

.....Alan.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Think of scratch as the potato chips of the chicken food pyramid.

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:

 

[TallChickMagnet]

Great advice!!!

 

[OrChickenFarmer]

I usually give mine a scoop in the morning. They don't do much though, their kinda lazy and just lay in the shade.

 

[CatDoctor]

SunAngel "I think I would get attacked if I didn't give them some lol."

I agree! I tried a few handfuls every other day but now they EXPECT some goodies every time they see me coming. They're eating their crumbles so I guess it's okay. Weather is already getting colder, especially at night, so I give them their scratch in the evening.