Not sure where to put this: Potential EE Death Diagnosis

[Sinadrea]

They can actually stay on chick feed as a main feed. Just provide oyster shells on the side for the ladies.

How often do you feed the scratch? That's a treat, & should be no more then 10% of their diet.

But I see, maybe will put 5% in food and if they come to door I can still feed them a little scratch. Does grazing in the yard count as scratch?

 

[MysteryChicken]

It's mixed in with the layer/chick feed. I usually put 10% in feed but sometimes give them all a handful when they beg at my door.

Never mix corn/scratch in the feed, it dilutes the protein, & nutritional level. Also it can create picky eaters, birds that'll only pick out the corn/scratch.

 

[MysteryChicken]

But I see, maybe will put 5% in food and if they come to door I can still feed them a little scratch. Does grazing in the yard count as scratch?

Free Ranging the yard isn't the same as scratch. Some grasses have as much as 26% protein.

 

[Sinadrea]

Never mix corn/scratch in the feed, it dilutes the protein, & nutritional level. Also it can create picky eaters, birds that'll only pick out the corn/scratch.

Where do you put scratch?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Where do you put scratch?

I usually throw it on the ground, so they literally have to scratch at the ground to get it. I do this every afternoon to get them to gather round me so I can do a quick visual health check. Do I see poopy bums? Is anyone limping? Does everyone have a nice, full crop, as they should this time of day? Just a general once-over. Then, if anyone looks a bit "off," I make a mental note of it and maybe take a closer look that night once they are settled on the roost.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Where do you put scratch?

Throw some on the ground for them to scratch at.
I try not to give scratch too often, at most once a week. I use it mainly to fatten up birds before butchering though, those birds get abit extra.

 

[Sinadrea]

Thank you, will try it out.