Scratch isn't a Staple?

[GarlicEater]

I've been giving my chickens scratch, all they want.

I've been reading ..... apparently it's treat not a staple food? They get greens, some food scraps, cat food (apparently another no-no!).

Am I correct that there's some sort of Purina Layer Feed that I need to use, and scratch just for a treat? Am I correct in this?

Geez, am I glad I joined this site.

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

scratchis a no-no cat food is okay only every once in a while.YES you should be feeding your hens purina!!!

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

scratch is something that you throw on the ground

 

[Louise's Country Closet]

Purina or another brand of egg laying feed. My grandma was confused when we told her that she needed to get egg laying feed instead of feeding them just corn.. because that's what she did growing up!

 

[TigerLilly]

Scratch will just make your chickens fat.

 

[GarlicEater]

Well, I have 2 feeders full of scratch, the cracked corn/wheat/etc stuff that comes in bags.

They get to eat it ad libitum.

In my experience with animals growing up and living my life, and working for a veterinarian years ago also, Purina is really good stuff. I don't care if you have a purple lizard, get Purina purple lizard chow and your purple lizard will do its best.

Rain for a couple of days and I'm not going out. Then I need to go to the feed store anyway, time to look at layer feed.

This site is great!

 

[chickenaddictntn]

I think scratch is ok, I mix it w/ the layer mash and all my birds are fine.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Scratch is just mixed grains, of no particular formulation.

There are layer feeds for sale that are complete, balanced rations. These rations provide the energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals in correct proportions for good general health and egg laying.

Do your birds lay well with what you are feeding them? Are they generally healthy? They may get along just fine with what you are feeding them, but generally the layer rations pretty much provide everything they need in one bag without much fuss. Add in some free range grass eating and bug chasing and they more than set for what they need.

 

[gryeyes]

Another option is to feed "grower/finisher" feed to the entire flock, and keep crushed oyster shell out free choice for the layers. That way, if you have any youngsters not yet laying in your flock, you aren't forcing too much calcium into their young bodies before they need it to make up for egg laying calcium depletion.

Scratch is kinda like candy to chickens. A steady diet of it is not very nutritionally balanced, even if the chickens love it.

I buy Nutrena brand feed because I prefer it to Purina.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

If your chickens are locked up an only get food from you they need a layer feed. Scratch is what is used to keep free-range chickens tame. Not to be there only food.