Is this ok for chicken scratch/treat?

[Silkiechick507]

This is really cheap where I work, wanted to know if this was fine to use as scratch for my 5 month old hens. They are on a All Flock pellet food with oyster shell grit as main diet and occasional Black Soldier Fly grub as treats.

 

[WingItRanch]

@U_Stormcrow may have thoughts.

 

[MysteryChicken]

This is really cheap where I work, wanted to know if this was fine to use as scratch for my 5 month old hens. They are on a All Flock pellet food with oyster shell grit as main diet and occasional Black Soldier Fly grub as treats.

Yes it's fine as a treat. It's similar to 5 grain scratch which I have right now, but mine has Corn, Sunflower Seeds, Milo, Wheat, & Barley. Sometimes I find soy beans mixed in from time to time making it 6 grains instead of 5 though.

 

[Silkiechick507]

My main worry is the popcorn kernels in the mix. I see alot of conflicting info if they are safe or not.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

There are two kinds of grit for chickens. Laying hens need both kinds. I found this, that explains it:

Grit refers to a finely ground hard substance that is given to chickens. There are two types of poultry grit: oystershell grit and flint grit. Oystershell grit is a type of calcium that helps make eggshells stronger. Insoluble grit, also known as flint grit, helps chickens with digestion.

Another name for the flint grit, at least here in the States, is crushed granite grit. This goes into the gizzard where it crushes the food, especially whole grains, as chickens lack teeth for grinding. Oyster shell does not perform this function. These should be kept in separate containers so the chickens can help themselves.

 

[MysteryChicken]

My main worry is the popcorn kernels in the mix. I see alot of conflicting info if they are safe or not.

Pop Corn is still corn, just a different breed/variety of it. It's safe.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

as others have said, yes, that's "scratch" and safe to use in that fashion.