How old before feeding scratch?

[MudPie]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum, and to raising chickens. I've got a mixed bag of Bantam's at about 9 weeks old. At what age can I begin allowing them access to scratch feed?

 

[speckledhen]

Usually, I wait till they are maybe 10-12 weeks, then I only use it to train them to come to the sound of the scratch can shaking. They rarely get much at all till they are 13-15 weeks old. I don't like to lower their overall protein content when they are growing so fast.

 

[txchickie]

I'd wait a few more weeks, no need for scratch (although it is fun getting to feed chickies new things!).

Just be sure to give grit, too, when you start the scratch. Right now you might make them a bowl of cooked oatmeal or offer some yogurt. Yogurt is ALWAYS entertaining!

 

[MudPie]

Okay, thanks for the input.

I have given them a worm or two. That is entertaining.

One other question. When providing grit, do you just scatter it around in the pin, or isolate it to one area?