Scratch Diet , FAIL . HElp

[gottalovemychickens]

So i went from Layer to scratch diet and they just stopped laying right away . Should i go back to the Layer ?

 

[hinkjc]

Yes. Scratch does not have all of the nutrition a laying hen needs to produce eggs. It's basically like feeding them candy all day long.

 

[PineBurrowPeeps]

Yes, Scratch is not a Diet. Where did you hear this?
They need layer pellets or crumble and only scratch as a treat, I really only feed scratch in the winter...

 

[gottalovemychickens]

well then im off to the feed store , some chicken pro i talked to huh < poop > alright darn

 

[cassie]

I scatter a little scratch every day so they will scratch. That way they keep the litter all stirred up. A complete diet it is not.

 

[Capone]

put them back on layer pellets and give them some scratch just to keep them from getting bored. going into winter i give equal amounts of feed and scratch to put weight on them for winter and even that will couse low production for a while.

 

[catfish/okie]

Make sure they always have laying pellets or crumbies. Giving them oyster shells and grit is also good.Scratch is good for getting them to follow you around. But it does not have enough protein. Mine gets some daily treats but They always have laying crumbies avaliable to them. Mine love jolly time popcorn(unpopped and unsalted).4 palmfulls a day for 7 pullets.

 

[Cindy in PA]

My scratch is 16-17%, just depends what's in it! I feed 16% pigeon grain (has field peas), lentils, split peas & sunflower. I give a hefty amount every day to keep the consumption of soy laden layer feed down. They absolutely love lentil sprouts from the ones that fall outside there run & start to grow. Cheap scratch is low in protein. Just depends what you use.