Scratch

[Brooks_]

As to the OP, I mix 6-7# of scratch (usually 5 or 6 grain by Dumor) with 40# pellet. I can toss a couple cups at a time and they don't get more than a few tablespoons of scratch. I could just give the pellets but then I wouldn't be able to pick out special pieces for the flock master. Sometimes he drops them for the ladies, sometimes he keeps them.

 

[nuthatched]

I use tractor supply brand bird seed

 

[Kiki]

I'm still fairly new at this...so I'm trying to learn what is best and what I can change or add

I have never nor will ever buy scratch.
Think of it as chips and candy to the birds...
They do not need it and it takes away from them getting a balanced diet.

It is highly unlikely you will ever run into problems if you feed no more than one tablespoon amount per adult bird per day.
Unfortunately people throw handful after handful of scratch out to their birds everyday and guess where they end up?
In the emergency forum looking for advice on why their chicken is laying lash eggs or something similar.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Scratch is not chips & candy. It isn't balanced, but contains many of the grains that go into feed. My chickens get 1 TBSP per bird each & every day. Years ago they got much more & I didn't have any egg laying or mortality problems. I agree it is not necessary, but the birds love it & it will not harm them in moderation.