Scratch as feed?!

[desertgirl]

My DH went to pick up feed, ad the girl at the feed store told him that scratch should e used as food (?!). I was under the impression thatscratch is more a treat, like candy, but should ot be used as the basis for nutrition.

Right?

 

[Cats Critters]

Your right, scratch is candy for chickens.

 

[ScoobyRoo]

I second that. Scratch IS candy!

 

[Elite Silkies]

Quote:
0-10 weeks Chick Starter/Grower

10-18 weeks of age Grower

Laying hens need layer pellets or layer crumbles. Mine prefer the crumbles, they don't really care for the pellets.

Scratch is a treat.

 

[Renee]

NEVER get your information from a feed store employee. It's okay to talk to them, just make sure you come home and do your research before you buy anything.

Renee

 

[desertgirl]

Good advice!

Another store I went to told me I needed medicated feed-for my 4 month or older chicks, who live in the high desert (moisture soooo not an issue!). I mean, I know I am a city girl (and I'm sure they can tell), but -in the words of my grandma who was a farm girl-don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining!!

That is why I love this site!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cats Critters]

Oh yeah here is a page I made that has two different companies directions on feed: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=4439-dumor-feed-chart

 

[desertgirl]

very helpful-thanks!

 

[outbackbill]

Scratch feed IS GOOD for chickens. It is ALL natural grains. Nothing added that I know of. The "experts" can say what they want but WHAT DID THEY FEED CHICKENS BEFORE THE MAN GROUND STUFF ADDED FEED WE CAN BUY TODAY???? Scratch feed. There is nothing wrong with feeding it to the chickens. Except for when they are young mine have always had Scratch, My parents fed scratch and we always have EGGS. Why pay more for "Precessed" feed???? Besides, What is in the processed feed???? SAME STUFF AS SCRATCH BUT GROUND UP!!!!
ok I'm off my soap box. But if people would look back at the old ways sometimes things were simpler and better.

 

[HorseFeathers]

No no NO. Scratch is empty calories- great for molting or broody birds, but should not be used as regular feed. outbackbill, in the "olden days" the birds free-ranged a lot more and got most of their nutrients that way.

Bottom line- Would you base your entire diet on popcorn? No. Don't feed your chickens scratch as anything more than a treat.