scratch? what is it?

[spish]

i keep seeing 'scratch' mentioned in posts, but am unsure what that is (is it an american term for a certain food perhaps?)


if someone could please enlighten me as to what it is id be greatful!....

 

[chicmom]

Scratch is just various grains mixed together. It's kind of like a treat for chickens......it's especially helpful in the cold winter months because, when they eat it, it helps keep their body temperatures up.

I just give my chickens a couple of handfuls every now and then...you just throw it out on the ground, and they "scratch around for it", hence the word scratch!

Sharon

 

[ranchhand]

Scratch, or scratch grains, is a term for chicken snack or treat food. It's usually cracked corn with other seeds and grains. I give it only when it's cold outside, because the high carbohydrate content helps them stay warm.

The rest of the year they don't need it, at least not here.

 

[pacetruckguy]

I use it as a bribe to get my chickens back in their run in the late afternoon. I have a scoop with a little scratch in it, I give it a shake, and they will follow me anywhere. Great motivator.