What exactly is scratch

[kalaim]

Is this something you can buy in a bag, or do you make it yourself?

Is it a treat?

 

[Reinbeau]

I asked that same question last week, I think, and was told it's cracked corn.

 

[kalaim]

Thanks!

 

[ChickenSquat]

you can buy it at a feed store and yes it is cracked corn and other grains. some people on here only feed it in winter because they say it warms their body up, but i've been feeding it all summer as a treat with no problems.

 

[willheveland]

Scratch grains are cracked corn,wheat,oats and barley.
yes,you can buy them by the bag at your feed mill or your farm store. Some say you should only feed as a treat,I don't think it has any harm because it's already in their feed just not whole.
Will

 

[beakkeeper]

Scratch is a mix of high-fat grains fed only as a treat. It is spread on the ground for the chickens to "scratch" at, hence the name. It can be home made or bought, depending on personal preference. Too much can cause overheating and obesity in some hens...

 

[kalaim]

Thanks! I'll have to look for it!

 

[danischi24]

I kept my silkies on it, summer & winter as a full time food with no problems. However my birds were very active & had unlimited space so confined birds might not have the same result as mine.