Scratch feed?

[Teresaann24]

I feed my girls laying mash and I cook eggs and have plates of egg shells for them at all times. I bought some food called Scratch feed its got like 3 different seeds in it 1 is corn 1 is sunflowers and the other not sure little tiny round brown seed. What I am wondering my feed store says its good for them for laying but I thought scratch feed was just like a snack? Someone fill me in on scratch food.

 

[Opa]

While my birds would exist quite well on a steady diet of layer I like to toss a scoop or two into the run to allow the birds to "scratch". I use it as a daily treat that I think helps give them something to do beside pick on each other.

 

[swampducks]

I use scratch to entice them back into the run after free ranging. My chickens and guineas are nuts for it.

 

[scbatz33]

I give a handful or two to mine big guys to give them something to do. In the winter they get it more regularly to help provide heat/energy.

FYI, the little "seeds" are probably wheat.

 

[Teresaann24]

Ok thanks for all the advice. I was giving them a mixed grain diet but wanted to try the scratch. I guess it would be the same...But what I use to feed them had about 5 different grains in them but when I went to my feed store they was out so I tried the scratch so good to know that it is good for them.

 

[purecountrychicken]

Sunflower seeds are a lot better for them then scratch. I never give my chickens scratch in the spring or summer.

 

[Judy]

Scratch IS a snack, or a treat. It does not have the nutrition they need to be their regular feed.

 

[Teresaann24]

So it should only be a snack? Not a good source for their diets?

 

[EricShane]

I do give my chickens a little bit of scratch.. however, I plant Sunflowers all around thier coop and run and the sunflower seeds fall in, and when i let them out for a walk they LOVE eating them!

 

[77ranger]

do you guys recommend keeping the waterer and feeder hanging in the coop or make an awning on the outside of the coop in the run out of the weather.