Mixing Scratch and Layer Feed

[salt and pepper]

I guess people have their own opinion....

 

[Chris09]

I guess people have their own opinion....

Let me ask you this,
If your statement that "scratch Grain" will keep poultry warm is true then why don't more poultry over heat in the summer months when fed a diet high in the same grains that make scratch (etc corn)?
Also why is it that there are so many studies that state that Protein is one of the main cause of heat stress in poultry during hot summer months and not the high energy feeds grains that are in there feeds?



Chris

 

[Pine Roost]

Pheeeeew!!! yall are gettin too technical for this ole fella. At the end of the day, does having backyard chickens (what we are all on here for) really involve this much thinkin....calculating percentages, and whatever the heck else yall are talkin about?? I was asking whether or not mixing feeds was a good idea and through trial and error found out that it was not the best decision. I have fun trying different things and my chicks seem very happy! Yall can keep the deep thoughts!! Lol...

 

[Mattemma]

I have a feeder full of pellets in the coop 24/7.They get a toss of scratch in the am and pm....inside or outside depending on the weather.Sometimes I toss them oats,cereal,noodles,or rice.Whatever is on hand.

 

[Chris09]

Pheeeeew!!! yall are gettin too technical for this ole fella. At the end of the day, does having backyard chickens (what we are all on here for) really involve this much thinkin....calculating percentages, and whatever the heck else yall are talkin about?? I was asking whether or not mixing feeds was a good idea and through trial and error found out that it was not the best decision. I have fun trying different things and my chicks seem very happy! Yall can keep the deep thoughts!! Lol...

At 10% of the Feed;
You can give 10 pounds of scratch to 90 pounds of there regular feed or right around 1/4 cup scratch to a pound of feed


Chris

 

[salt and pepper]

I did'nt mean to start an argument, I was just saying that corn can be good for winter months. I agree with Pine Roost though. chickens shouldn't be a study, or a science. for me they are just an amazing hobby

 

[cafarmgirl]

Pheeeeew!!! yall are gettin too technical for this ole fella. At the end of the day, does having backyard chickens (what we are all on here for) really involve this much thinkin....calculating percentages, and whatever the heck else yall are talkin about?? I was asking whether or not mixing feeds was a good idea and through trial and error found out that it was not the best decision. I have fun trying different things and my chicks seem very happy! Yall can keep the deep thoughts!! Lol...

Lol, that's all that really matters is that you are enjoying your birds and they are healthy and happy!

And your right, feeding the backyard flock is not rocket science. It's actually very easy. Feed your birds a good layer feed, toss them some scratch once in a while, or however you like to do it. And as you mentioned, you've found what does and does not work for you. Take everything else with a grain of salt!

The conversations on this forum will go deep into the night, and well into left field, as far as all the different ways and means and types of feed for these birds. Keep it simple, don't stress over it and do what works for you. And keep enjoying your birds!

 

[salt and pepper]

Lol, that's all that really matters is that you are enjoying your birds and they are healthy and happy!

And your right, feeding the backyard flock is not rocket science. It's actually very easy. Feed your birds a good layer feed, toss them some scratch once in a while, or however you like to do it. And as you mentioned, you've found what does and does not work for you. Take everything else with a grain of salt!

The conversations on this forum will go deep into the night, and well into left field, as far as all the different ways and means and types of feed for these birds. Keep it simple, don't stress over it and do what works for you. And keep enjoying your birds!

haha I agree =) my little chooks are happy and healthy and thats what matters =) maybe I am wrong. if so sorry Chris! didn't mean to start an argument. just love talking about chickens!

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Not to disagree, but I wouldn't say it's a myth.they are high in fat, carbs, and calories, they are easily turned into energy, which then keeps them warm.

So is their layer feed, which is formulated as a complete ration with the appropriate amount of crude protein and minerals. By diluting it with corn and scratch grains you are just creating a layer ration with lower percentages of crude proteins and minerals.

 

[salt and pepper]

scratch is only 8% protein, at least that's what i read.