What's the deal with scratch grains??

[KikiDeAnime]

I just bought a 25lb bag of scratch grains for the first time to give the flock once a month. I plan to only give them 1/2 cup mixed into their feeder.

What's the deal with it? I hear people complain about people giving it and other people praise it for being good for the flock.
I'm honestly confused

 

[3KillerBs]

But what's the deal with it? I'd like an answer to my question please

Not sure what you're asking.

Some parents give their kids a lot of candy and cake and say that the kids like them and it does no harm.

Some parents refuse to give any candy and cake, considering sugary treats next to poison.

Some parents try to strike a balance, offering treats in moderation.

I'm in category #3. With both kids and chickens I don't withhold all treats but I moderate them and I use them as rewards for desired behavior.

I did try using scratch to cut the cost of raising some cull cockerels to butchering size but with the current price of scratch I didn't save enough money to be worth the trouble.

 

[3KillerBs]

It's a good training treat and helpful for getting them to stir up the shavings/etc. thoroughly in your Deep Bedding/Deep Litter system.

But it's cookies and cake, not food.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I usually only give it as an occasional snack, or to help put fat on birds we're gonna be butchering. A layer of fat under the skin, helps create a juicy bird when roasted.

I use either the cracked corn, & wheat, or the 5 grain scratch.

 

[RojoMarz]

But what's the deal with it? I'd like an answer to my question please

What do you mean or what are you asking. Three people have already responded saying basically the same...they consider scratch not a great food but more of junk food or an occasional treat.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Scratch grains is just wheat and corn last I knew junk food basically for chickens

 

[K0k0shka]

It's good for the chicken's digestive system. Chickens who's digestive system is blocked by an impacted crop may consume scratch grains (I know you weren't talking about your chickens having an impacted crop but if they do, let them consume olive oil.)

How exactly do scratch grains help an impaction? Adding anything solid to an already impacted crop only makes it worse, as the new material has nowhere to go and only fills an already overfilled crop.

 

[Tonyroo]

Sorry, I guess I meant why is it such a big deal to everyone? Some say it's completely bad and shouldn't be feed at all and others praise it for being good for the birds

People who say it's bad have a higher standard for there birds intake of any food. Cause there striving for healthier and stronger birds. So food management is important to them.

Does this help answer part of your question?

 

[Apis mellifera]

I toss about a quart of DuMor 5 scratch grain out for my flock a few times a week. It keeps them busy and its good for them.

 

[Grandma The Chicken]

It's good for the chicken's digestive system. Chickens who's digestive system is blocked by an impacted crop may consume scratch grains (I know you weren't talking about your chickens having an impacted crop but if they do, let them consume olive oil.)