scratch vs feed

[NapaChicknGal]

hi, after reading some input and checking w/my friend who gave me first 3 -- I have 6 total -- it seems she gives them scratch. I've had first 3 since end of March; last 3 little over a month; so I just brought home 25# sack of scratch. Now what?

 

[HeavensHens88]

Scratch lacks protein and calcium needed for laying hens. It's OK for an occasional treat and MAYBE as a 75% of a rooster's diet, but you need a proper layer ration for hens.

 

[dekel18042]

hi, after reading some input and checking w/my friend who gave me first 3 -- I have 6 total -- it seems she gives them scratch. I've had first 3 since end of March; last 3 little over a month; so I just brought home 25# sack of scratch. Now what?

From what I understand, scratch can be given as a treat. Throw a handful out so they get exercise scratching and digging for it. Also, go easy in the summer. Scratch contains pretty much corn (This goes for corn too) so you can give it in the winter before the birds roost and it will help them make body heat. Corn can help make body heat and can make chickens fat which I'm not sure is a good thing. Mine get some scattered along with other treats.
If this is wrong, this is something I picked up in a seminar I took on raising chickens.

 

[NapaChicknGal]

what a quick reply!!!! Thnx, Pat

 

[NapaChicknGal]

You are all wonderful. I feel like such a rookie -- I live in Napa and I'm in process of taking back my veggie garden and giving the girls 1/3 -- I put up more fencing and w/start getting my veggies replanted/organized. However, I am still having problem with losing some eggs, but I guess I shouldn't worry about it. Where I had first 3 (oldies) had some broken egg problems - put golf ball, ceramic egg, hot mustard in empty egg, milk -- and it seemed to stop; then I got last 3 (newbies) and I've been getting very broken and a cpl look eaten -- newbies are 2 leghorns and one RIR.
Sorry to ask so many questions, but this is such a helpful site.
I'm wondering if Brahma (oldie) who started staying in newbie's coop because it's larger maybe is the culprit-- but it's like every hen has experienced a broken egg, sometimes crushed and I do go out around 8 - 9 tocollect newbies and a cpl times later in day since oldies spread out their deposits. I also put new shavings every so many days to make it comfortable.
My neighbor who lets them out in AM caught mouse in netting and let it loose (!!!!) and I see bluejays routinely in and out of area stealing food.
Sorry to drone on.