Scratch

[suensmitty]

My hen & rooster are 10 weeks old. Can I give them scratch? If not, how old do they have to be?

 

[cybercat]

Scratch is a cold weather food mostly. Not given to chicks at all only adults.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I was told by my feed store that they have to be pretty much full grown to give scratch. If they are too small they can choke. (at least that is what I was told)

I started giving mine scratch when they started laying. (based upon what people here were saying) I give it as a treat in small amounts.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

Mine are almost 11 weeks old. I just started giving them a handful here and there as a special treat. I've read that they definitely have to have access to grit/soil/sand if they're eating scratch. Also, that it's mostly given as a winter treat because of the corn - I think it's the sugar calories that help keep them warm.

 

[yfchoice]

Once again, scratch is not just a winter thing. Mine get it every day, even during the hottest summer months. Corn does not heat chickens up. ddawn hopefully will post the discussion that was done on this subject.....I can't find it at the moment.

 

[dipence71]

Quote:
I think this is the thread you are referring to..??

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=74876&p=1

I feed my chickens scratch here and there depending on what scraps and veggies I have to get rid of first lol...

 

[purpletree23]

Scratch is fine. Just make sure they have chicken grit available a few days before giving the scratch. They should have the grit by now anyway.

 

[yfchoice]

dipence71......that's the one. Thanks