You should give your chickens scratch grains as a treat in moderation, ideally no more than 10% of their daily diet, to maintain balanced nutrition.
Chicken scratch is like candy for your flock – they love it, but too much can cause health problems. This guide will show you exactly how often to feed scratch while keeping your chickens healthy and productive.
What Is Chicken Scratch?
Chicken scratch is a mix of grains like corn, wheat, oats, and barley. Unlike complete feeds, it lacks essential nutrients chickens need. Think of it as a treat rather than a meal.
Common Scratch Ingredients
- Cracked corn
- Wheat
- Millet
- Barley
- Oats
- Sunflower seeds
How Often Should You Feed Scratch?
The golden rule: 1-2 times weekly, no more than 10% of their diet. For 4 chickens, this means about 1/4 cup total, 2-3 times per week.
Why Limit Scratch?
- Low in protein (only 8-10% vs 16% in layer feed)
- High in carbs that convert to fat
- Can cause nutritional deficiencies
- May lead to obesity and reduced egg production
Best Practices for Feeding Scratch
Timing Matters
Feed scratch in late afternoon after they’ve eaten their complete feed. This prevents them from filling up on empty calories first.
Feeding Methods
- Scatter on ground for natural foraging
- Use a separate dish from main feed
- Mix with grit for better digestion
Scratch vs Complete Feed
| Nutrient | Scratch | Layer Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 8-10% | 16-18% |
| Calcium | Low | High (3-4%) |
| Vitamins | Minimal | Complete |
When Scratch Is Beneficial
Winter Feeding
The extra carbs help chickens generate body heat. Increase to 3 times weekly during cold spells, but still keep under 10% of diet.
Training Tool
Use scratch to train chickens to come when called. The small amounts used for training won’t impact their nutrition.
Foraging Encouragement
Scattering scratch stimulates natural scratching behavior. This can help prevent boredom and reduce pecking problems.
Signs You’re Feeding Too Much Scratch
- Decreased egg production
- Soft or thin eggshells
- Weight gain
- Leftover layer feed
- Digestive issues
Alternatives to Commercial Scratch
For healthier treats, try:
- Mealworms (high protein)
- Vegetable scraps
- Fruits like watermelon
- Herbs like parsley
Remember, even healthy treats should follow the 10% rule. For more on chicken nutrition, check out this comprehensive guide from Backyard Chickens.
Special Considerations
Molting Chickens
During molt, prioritize high-protein feeds over scratch. The extra protein helps with feather regrowth.
Broody Hens
Scratch can help maintain weight in hens that refuse to leave the nest. Place it near their nesting area.
Meat Birds
Corn-based scratch can help with weight gain in meat chickens, but should still be limited to prevent excessive fat.
Storage Tips
Store scratch in airtight containers to prevent:
- Rodent attraction
- Mold growth
- Vitamin degradation
Properly stored, scratch stays fresh for 2-3 months. For larger quantities, consider adding food-grade diatomaceous earth to prevent pests.