Scratch

[birdwrangler057]

Hello,
I recently went to the feed store and bought a 50lb bag of scratch on accident, can I feed it to my chickens as I would with regular feed? I heard you have to throw it outside and let them free range because the corn and seeds settle in their gizzards.

 

[birdwrangler057]

Hello,
I recently went to the feed store and bought a 50lb bag of scratch on accident, can I feed it to my chickens as I would with regular feed? I heard you have to throw it outside and let them free range because the corn and seeds settle in their gizzards.

Also, it is about 70% sunflower seed, 25% flax/other stuff, 5% crumbled corn.

 

[Pork Pie]

Personally, I'd head back to the store and get some feed. A couple of handfuls of scratch per day (no more than 10% of their daily food intake) is the best way to go.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I'm with Ken and would return it.

If I run out of feed will give them corn or whatever for day or two until I get more feed but don't use it as sole feed. Sunflower is extremely high in fat content, I like it for winter treat and high energy but you'd not want to feed a lot of it. Too fat of hens reduces egg production etc. Too low of protein intake effects growth, maturity time and egg production. Stick with a poultry feed and table scraps/leftovers as treats.

 

[birdwrangler057]

Ok, thanks for the info. I will do what I usually do, and toss it out every other day when they are free ranging.