Scratch Grains Vs Mealworms

[neo71665]

I don't give my birds either. No reason to except for your enjoyment of watching them eat them.

Frankly I can walk over to their feeder, take the lid off, and throw a handful of all flock out in the run to make all the birds run and go in a feeding frenzy. Same feed they have 24/7 but since it's thrown on the ground they think they have to go crazy for it.
My g/f's 5 year old will run out there all during the day and throw feed out and the chickens go crazy every time. Figured after 3 years one of the 2 would get tired of it but both still enjoy it.

 

[raingarden]

Sometimes I throw a handful of sand just to get them excited so they will scratch around and pick up all the crumbles they have spilled. They're idiots.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

I've never given my chickens scratch. I usuallly throw some split corn (in winter) and mealworms on the ground for them.
I also feed mealworms daily to chicks that struggle (I crush them up and mix with the crumb) to give them more protein for growth
I'd like to see if they like this 'scratch' since they've never heard it before. I'll look into it.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I also pass out a small amount of scratch daily. I fling it wide so they scratch around looking for it.

I have18 birds and give about 1/2 cup to share. I also feed a 20% protein feed and a couple times a week they get canned mackerel.

 

[CreveChris]

Instead of scratch, I use a handful of actual whole feed (Grubbly) or Black Soldier Fly Larvae (also Grubbly). I feed chick feed through all life cycles, which is crumbles and 20+% protein. Crevecoeurs apparently have a low incidence of fatty liver, but really need protein during molting with all those feathers!

My philosophy with animals (dogs, chickens, goldfish in the watergarden) is try actual feed/food instead of treats most days. "Same food, different place" works for me.

[edit: spelling]

 

[Silexian]

I feed both sparingly as treats. I enjoy watching chicks racing around trying to steal mealworms from each other while in the brooder. I throw out a couple handfuls of scratch each week. Mainly for the feeling of nostalgia. Remembering helping my grandpa broadcasting out grain to their flock. Then my grandma letting me gather the eggs from the nest and putting them in her apron.

 

[Perris]

What’s the difference between mealworms and scratch grains. I know mealworms are a source of protein. But what are scratch grains used for? I believe someone told me that scratch grains aren’t good for chickens or they should be given in the winter more then the summer. Thoughts?

Most people on BYC condemn scratch, so you might find it interesting to see that these farmers raise their (true free range, premium price) birds on a mostly whole grain diet
https://www.loue.fr/freerange-sustainable-poultry-chicken

 

[Gammas Bearded Babies]

What’s the difference between mealworms and scratch grains. I know mealworms are a source of protein. But what are scratch grains used for? I believe someone told me that scratch grains aren’t good for chickens or they should be given in the winter more then the summer. Thoughts?

I must have the pickiest chickens around! Mine will not eat meal worms (n I got em grubblies!) They do not prefer the scratch that has the grains mixed in (cost more too).
They simply luv the cracked corn!
I've got em on layer feed...tried several brands and they just don't eat it hardly at all.
I've even resorted to giving them feed from my hand like I used to scratch and they come over, look at it and walk away.
Yes I must have spoiled em...but 3 silkies barely eat a cup feed every 3-4 days...then it ends up getting icky from moisture in air so I dump it in run.
I give them a few scraps a week like celery, lettuce, pumpkin...but nothing regularly.
Their run is 10x20 so I guess they forage a lot cuz they are all very healthy, laying eggs and makin babies!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Most people on BYC condemn scratch, so you might find it interesting to see that these farmers raise their (true free range, premium price) birds on a mostly whole grain diet
https://www.loue.fr/freerange-sustainable-poultry-chicken

Source? Their birds are no more true free range than mine (which I suppose means that mine are true free range), and the website link says only that they are fed non-GMO cereals, not that they are whole grain. Nor does it establish why you find it appropriate to draw a connection between scratch and whole grains - that's like comparing peas and bean bag beeds, because both are round.

Here in the US, at least, where definitions are "fluid", the difference between Scratch and a Complete feed, nutritionally, are usually quite stark - even where that scratch is made from non-GMO whole cereal grains and non GMO corn, usually cracked.

I'm not saying you are wrong, I'm just saying the link doesn't support the contention, and I'd like to read further.

 

[ihatedarkroast]

I'm like that other poster in that I keep scratch around for my 3 year old to throw at the chickens. He has a ball making them run around after it and feels mighty proud of himself for helping feed them. Also, it teaches the chickens to follow a human and helps tame them if you are a source of treats. Makes them easier to catch. I used to do the same thing with horses when I had'm. A tiny bit of sweet feed every day just to make the horses more sociable and human friendly.