Scratch, grit or flock raiser?

[Dfarago]

what is the difference and what is needed? I always thought they needed scratch because that’s what people kept saying they need in videos. Now I’m reading that it’s more of a treat then anything. And I’m also reading that they need grit as well for their digestion.

I have Purina flock raiser that I’ve been feeding them and they love hunting the bugs that manage to get into their enclosure. (They’re in a 7ft x 20 ft enclosure under a shade tree outside). I think they are around 8-10 weeks old. (Not 100% sure. Got them from a neighbor and she has no idea how old they are. The mom just turned up with babies after going missing).

Is there anything else I need to give them for proper nutrition? They seem to be happy and healthy.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Scratch = treat

Flock Raiser, I think is good cause it's 20% protein and all ages/sexes can eat it.

Grit = crushed granite helps with their digestion of their grubbing. They have not teeth, helps to "grind" down their food

Oyster Shells = crushed OS is the extra calcium needed by the layers for their egg shells when they start laying

Water = fresh & clean daily

Treats should not be more than 10% of their intact. Too much "healthy" veggies, fruits & table scraps off sets the nutrition of their feed.

 

[Dfarago]

Scratch = treat

Flock Raiser, I think is good cause it's 20% protein and all ages/sexes can eat it.

Grit = crushed granite helps with their digestion of their grubbing. They have not teeth, helps to "grind" down their food

Oyster Shells = crushed OS is the extra calcium needed by the layers for their egg shells when they start laying

Water = fresh & clean daily

Treats should not be more than 10% of their intact. Too much "healthy" veggies, fruits & table scraps off sets the nutrition of their feed.

Thanks

 

[GC-Raptor]

An All-Flock feed like the Flock Raiser you're feeding is a good choice. I offer it in a hanging feeder in their coop always available.
But it looks like you have 4 chickens. If you have the 50 lb bag, it may get stale before it's used up. Keep the bag in a dry place at room temperature in your house if possible. If it starts to smell bad or get moldy toss it.
When I only had 3 chickens, I would buy the Non-Medicated Start & Grow in a 25 lb bag. .
Scratch Grains are a treat. Up to 10% of the daily diet. For grown full size chickens about 2 Tablespoons each daily, about half that for 10 week olds.
I toss the Scratch in their pen so they have to search for it.
Poultry Grit is the version of Granite Grit offered around 7 weeks. It's for digesting the Scratch Grains, seeds, bugs and vegetation. It's available in 5 lb and 25 lb bags. I offer it in a separate container. .
I offer Oyster Shells separately after 16 weeks of age.
Fresh water kept in a shady spot during the summer. Wish you the best. GC

 

[Dfarago]

An All-Flock feed like the Flock Raiser you're feeding is a good choice. I offer it in a hanging feeder in their coop always available.
But it looks like you have 4 chickens. If you have the 50 lb bag, it may get stale before it's used up. Keep the bag in a dry place at room temperature in your house if possible. If it starts to smell bad or get moldy toss it.
When I only had 3 chickens, I would buy the Non-Medicated Start & Grow in a 25 lb bag.View attachment 1844589.
Scratch Grains are a treat. Up to 10% of the daily diet. For grown full size chickens about 2 Tablespoons each daily, about half that for 10 week olds.
I toss the Scratch in their pen so they have to search for it.
Poultry Grit is the version of Granite Grit offered around 7 weeks. It's for digesting the Scratch Grains, seeds, bugs and vegetation. It's available in 5 lb and 25 lb bags.View attachment 1844594 I offer it in a separate container.View attachment 1844593 .
I offer Oyster Shells separately after 16 weeks of age.
Fresh water kept in a shady spot during the summer. Wish you the best. GC

Thank you for the info. I actually have a lot of ducks (20) so the flock raiser will definitely not go stale. But it’s a good thing to keep in mind. Can scratch get fed to ducks? My Muscovies love hunting for food. I usually get sunflower seeds and scatter them and put the flock raiser in a bowl.

So grit is a necessity that can just be put in a bucket and they’ll naturally eat it as needed? Same with oyster shell when they’re older?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Can scratch get fed to ducks?

I don't have any Ducks, but my mom had around 10. She used to give them Cracked Corn for a treat. They loved it. I don't see why you couldn't give Scratch Grains as a treat.

So grit is a necessity that can just be put in a bucket and they’ll naturally eat it as needed? Same with oyster shell when they’re older?

Yes to both. I also mix both in Scratch Grains that I toss on the ground as a treat, in a ratio of 40 to 1. 10 ounces of Poultry Grit and (10 ounces of Oyster Shells after 16 weeks) into 25 lb of Scratch. I also mix in a 7 lb bag of Cardinal seed mix. Here's a Pic before mixing. . GC

 

[ChickNanny13]

The grit & Oyster Shells each go in a separate dish, to be eaten as they need.

 

[Dfarago]

Thank you all for the help