It's almost time to switch scratch to something different.. Any ideas?

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
How funny!

I checked my local Southern States coop yesterday and they didn't have any wheat in yet. Hopefully they will be getting some in soon.

 

[NYREDS]

Why do you feel that the advent of spring means you need to stop feeding scratch grain?

 

[sweet_peeps]

Quote:
Mine loves this too.
I noticed that they would run over to the bird feeder when I let them out and eat all the dropped seeds beneath it.
So, I started throwing them a handful.
It's their favorite.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Quote:
Must it be shredded first? Would they eat it if it were left whole, or even halved? I know some folks will hang a head of lettuce or cabbage so it's about 12-18" above the ground, and let the chickens peck at it there. Food & fun together.

I have built long narrow raised boxes along the outsides of the runs and planted collard greens there. I've covered the plants with old wire shelving pieces so the chickens can't get into the beds & scratch them up. They can peck at the leaves that grow out of the wire.

Edited to add: I bet cabbage will be going on sale soon for St Pat's Day.

 

[basicliving]

I've started mixing 50/50 scratch and BOSS. They also get leftovers from the night before. This morning they got scratch/BOSS and pile of shrimp shells and leftover lettuce/carrots/cabbage from salad.

I think I'll try the bird seed too.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I give mine some whole wheat in the morning. They LOVE it.

 

[Guinea Goonie]

I use "poultry grain" form Hirsch feed stores. This is ALWAYS out in the feeder and they just love the morning throw of the same stuff on the floor of the barn. Many wait for me to throw instead of going to the feeder.

I have a smaller feeder of layer crumbles and I even see the roos at the thing eating away.

I have a shallow pale of oyster shell and a 2 gallon waterer in the barn while another is outside up on a cow feeder.

The lucky ones that come down to house get a little bit of bread and they have the horse waterer down here.

I am getting nice eggs and they all seem pretty spry.

 

[speckledhen]

Stacey, I use 11-grain scratch, which has almost no corn in it. It's 13% protein all by itself, a complete rooster feed, really. It's called KnockOut and it's either put out by Faithway feeds or ADM Alliance. That type would be great for you, if you could find a similar product.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Thanks Cyn! I will try and keep my eyes out for some 11 grain.

So far the best I can find around here is the Purina Scratch and it is still mostly corn. I will search some other places though and see what I can find.

I did just order some millet seed to plant. The chickens should find that are real treat!

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
It is really for controversial reasons.

Corn naturally raises the body temperature in chickens, so when it's hot outside, it isn't the best choice to feed as a treat. Some do it anyways, but I am choosing not to do that to my birds.

We had a lot of issues with the heat here last year and I don't want to add anymore stress to my chickens than needed.