I couldn't help myself...

[joebwe25]

I BOUGHT SCRATCH!!!

I don't why I did it.

I want to feed the girls healthy.
Could I buy scratch and feed them eggshells?
And is there anything else I should feed them besides the poultry pellets?
Thanks for any answers.
Joe

 

[lacyloo]

Umm joe i feed my gurls/ boy scrach/horese sweet feed and layer food and they are free range so the git grit from the ground. scratch will no hurt them i repeat scrach will not hurt them !!!

 

[okiechick57]

Uh...........whats the worry about scratch?

 

[Standard Hen]

Joe they love scratch. I feed it to my gang in the winter for their treat.

 

[allen wranch]

Scratch is not a blend of complete nutrition and shouldn't be their primary food. It usually has a lot of corn in it which is high in carbs and can make the girls fat. Fat hens sometimes become egg bound.

However, a lot of people, including myself, feed scratch as a treat. Like anything else, just don't overdo it. In the winter, and hand full of scratch before bedtime seems to keep the chooks warmer.

 

[speckledhen]

I do what Carla does, but I also use it as a training tool to call them back from wherever they're ranging. When I shake the can, they come from wherever they happen to be, running/flying/squawking. I get them into the pen and throw a handful so I'm not just "crying wolf". They know what's in the Magic Red Coffee Can and it's works like a charm. There are also scratch mixes that have less corn and more of different grains and sunflower seeds that are slightly better for them. Naturally, they cost more though.

 

[joebwe25]

Well should I have bought the poultry pellets instead?
And if I feed the layer/poultry pellets do I still have to also feed egg shells?

 

[k625]

Which is better to feed as a treat, or a snack before bed time, scratch, or cracked corn? Also, what time do you guys put your chicks/chickens to bed at night? Mine seem to start calling for me around 7:30, and that is usually when I put them in their house.

 

[justusnak]

joebwe25 : The poultry pellets.....are they layer feed? If your gals are laying..they really need layer feed. As for the egg shells....offer them or oyster shell....free choice. They will only eat what they know they need. The scratch is "candy" for them. Not good for primary feed. I give mine scratch or cracked corn when the nights get cooler...for a bedtime treat. In the winter they get scratch/cracked corn every night before putting them to bed. Like Cynthias chicks...mine KNOW the red coffee can....and come running and squaking..wanting the treats!
As for "putting them to bed" Mine go in about 7ish...once they put themselves to bed, I close it up.