So exactly what is "Scratch" ? It seems based on this thread that it is a prepared (or you can make your own) chicken snack which is composed of; three grains and a protein. But this is NOT a meal, is that correct? The grains can be oats, wheat, corn (hot, for the question is moot), oats, and the protein can be eggs for those who feed their chickens eggs. If you do not feed your chickens egg what protein do you mix. I thought birds were lactose intolerant. Sounds kind of like a meal. So what is scratch?
Scratch can be a single *whole grain or any mixture of *whole/cracked grains that is pitched on the ground to encourage scratching of the ground and add extra energy to the birds diet. Scratch is not meant to be a sole feed but supplement to the birds regular poultry feed.
Not all scratch feed/mixes are created equal the average bagged scratch has about 8 +/- percent protein but since a scratch can be any mix of grains you can use more complex mixes like a all grain pigeon feed mix that can come with or with out corn, with small yellow corn or pop corn, they contain a good number of grains and can have a protein amount up 21 +/- percent.
Eggs are never used as a protein type in scratch mix.
Chicken are to a point lactose intolerant, but since grains and eggs for all that matters does not contain lactose chicken have no problem them.
*Whole Grains --
For this discussion and to a point with in the "livestock world" the term whole mean whole as in not ground, cracked, hammered, etc.
Also for this discussion and to a point with in the "livestock world" the term grain/s is referring to grains, seeds, legumes etc.
ETA ---
Meal,,, when referring to livestock, poultry, etc. refers to a ground product as in corn meal, soy bean meal, peanut meal etc.
Scratch is never a meal..
Mash,,, when referring to livestock, poultry, etc. refers to a ground feed.