scratch for feed?

[cbohn80]

i've heard of some people only giving scratch as food, would this be ok as long as i give my birds acess to may yard for a bit each day or is there not enough nutrients?

 

[ninabeast]

Everything I've read tells me that scratch is an occasional treat only, and can't be used as feed.

 

[Judy]

It is not a complete feed, is missing several nutrients. I don't believe a little free range time would be enough to make up the difference.

On the other hand, if you can increase their free range time and there is lots of grass and bugs and such available, they will eat a lot less feed.

 

[florida lee]

Last night I went a backyard flock meeting. the main speaker was a rep from Purina. He stated "think of scratch as junk food". Your chickens need much more than scratch can provide. Use it as a treat only.