Chicken scratch feed is an irresistibly tasty treat that provides many nutritional advantages for both humans and pets alike. Packed full of proteins, fiber, fats and essential vitamins and minerals – not to mention an easy homemade option – this treat makes an excellent meal addition.
Training chickens to associate you with food may help them become more accepting of handling and may help train them to accept being handled more easily; however, this method should not replace regular feed.
Contents
It is a treat
Chicken scratch is often fed as a treat for their flocks, as it provides them with valuable nutrition that can quickly lead to weight gain. Unfortunately, however, its main component – dense carbohydrates that will eventually turn into fat – should only be fed in small quantities as treats.
Overfeeding chicken scratch can quickly turn a healthy hen unhealthy, impairing her ability to lay high-quality eggs and diminishing production rates. Hens who become overreliant on this form of nutrition may begin showing signs of malnutrition such as producing lower quality eggs or developing depression-inducing symptoms like low egg quality and depressed behaviour.
Homemade suet cakes provide a healthier alternative to chicken scratch. Constructed of whole grains, seeds and dried fruit held together with natural fat sources like lard, tallow or meat drippings, they make easy treats for all generations of chickens and provide tasty rewards when given as treats for children! Chick starter feed can also help ensure their nutritional requirements are met properly.
It is a source of protein
Chicken scratch can provide your flock with an excellent source of protein and help them remain active during winter. However, it should only be fed occasionally; an over-reliance can lead to feather plucking, egg eating or even cannibalism from bored birds.
Cracked corn and grains are popularly used as chicken scratch, providing your flock with an appetizing snack. Packed full of essential nutrients, chicken scratch is an effective way to quickly add weight. However, it should only be fed occasionally as its dense carbohydrates will soon turn into fat storage. If cost concerns are an issue when feeding your flock, consider feeding kitchen scraps or cooked eggs instead.
It is a source of fiber
Chicken scratch provides your flock with protein, fiber and other essential nutrients, while stimulating natural foraging behaviors and helping ensure a good night’s rest. However, it’s essential not to overfeed their flock.
Homemade chicken scratch is an economical alternative to commercial feed blends, allowing you to tailor its ingredients according to the nutritional needs of your flock. Common components include cracked corn, rolled or popped barley, oats, wheat and sunflower seeds but it may include milo, millet and other grains depending on its formulation.
Chick starter and grower feeds are specially formulated for young chicks and growing pullets, providing just the right balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote optimal development in both chicks and pullets. Most farm supply stores sell starter/grower feeds; feeding your flock the proper nutrients will enable them to reach their full potential while increasing egg and meat production as well as helping prevent problems like feather plucking, nipping, and egg eating.
It is a source of fat
Chickens require a diet comprised of grains, seeds, insects and space to forage for food. An occasional treat of chicken scratch feed–a high-protein snack–can provide extra sustenance in addition to their regular diet.
Homemade chicken scratch is simple to prepare and can save money over buying commercial mixes. A homemade mixture of cracked corn, oats, wheat, barley and split peas will provide your flock with ample nutrition while being free of additives or GMOs.
Note that chicken scratch should only ever be given as a supplement and never as the sole food source for layer chickens. Overfeeding can lead to malnutrition and weight gain that negatively impacts their health and egg laying ability. Furthermore, uneaten scratch can attract pests into the coop as well as spread diseases – therefore it is crucial that this mix be kept cool and dry for storage purposes before being fed when necessary – it should never serve as main nourishment for baby chicks either!
