Scratch grains info needed

[kgm2431]

Hi.
I have 8 hens and they are currently 4 months old. I figure another 2-3 months and they should be laying at which time I will transition to layer feed. I just got a bag of scratch grains to add to their diet, primarily at the end of the day when i let them free roam. My question is how much should I give them and should I put it in the run before I let them out?
Thanks

 

[Kellow1]

Really you should not feed "scratch" as all it will do is fatten up the chicks. Chickens can suffer from fatty liver syndrome so fat is not good. They should only have grower feed until they are 19 weeks old then switch to layer feed. That's all! If you want to give "treats" just use the pellets and feed them from your hand. They will love you like crazy!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Really you should not feed "scratch" as all it will do is fatten up the chicks. Chickens can suffer from fatty liver syndrome so fat is not good. They should only have grower feed until they are 19 weeks old then switch to layer feed. That's all! If you want to give "treats" just use the pellets and feed them from your hand. They will love you like crazy!

I agree, pellets are just as exciting when I throw them as scratch grains. However, I do still throw 2 handfuls (I am small) for my flock of 13. I'm more lax with scratch grains in the fall when they are molting and mix them with meal worms since meal worms give a good boost in protein.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Just be sure the scratch, and any other treats, are 10% or less of their total feed.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I give 2 Tablespoons of Scratch Grains per LF chicken, scattered in their pen daily, that's about 10%.
In the summer I cut that in half, because they eat less feed.

should I put it in the run before I let them out?

I give my chickens Scratch mid-morning in their pen.
Some give before roost, afternoon/evening.
Some use as an enticement to come back to pen/coop when free ranging, by training them with your voice or shaking the treat can. GC