Scratch grains

[timbermallard7]

At what age are chicks ready to start eating scratch grains?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Usually around 10-12 weeks, they'll start to like feed like that.

However, scratch, at least the typical 3 grain stuff around here, is not very nutritious. It lacks protein and other essential nutrients needed for growing birds. And the price!!! Yikes. It is as costly as full balanced feed. Thus, it is recommended that it only make up a very small amount of the chick's diet.

Chickens don't "need" scratch, ever. People just like buying it and enjoy the frenzy of the chickens eating it and scratching for the bits.