Scratch added to regular food question

[BjornBee]

We have always had a feeder full of the formulated egg laying food that we buy at TCS or other place. We also have a bag of scratch that we occasionally throw some in the chicken yard.

I thought I would place some scratch in with the regular feed, and checked back about 6 hours later and the chickens emptied out the feeder, which is about 5 gallons worth of feed. (14 birds)

I am ssuming they favored the "scratch" mix, which from what it looks like, is crushed corn. I think they blasted through the feeder and dug out everything getting to the blended in scratch mix.

Anyone have this happen? Am I correct that they favor scratch feed over the formulated grain stuff produced for egg laying?

And can someone tell me what exactly purchased scratch is used for? Is it needed? Just something to augment the diet?

Thank you for any help and comments.

[jwal10]

Scratch is just that it gives them something to do. Keep feed seperate. I only have 4 hens right now and feed oats, whole as scratch, ground as mash....James

[chickenista]

In the winter especially the birds will go crazy for the grain and corn.
Keep separate and all will be well.

[mammabooh]

Scratch is just a little treat. Actually, I don't give them scratch anymore, because I was getting nasty weeds in my garden from it. Now, I just buy cracked corn for a treat. My 18 chickens only get maybe one cup a day (that's one cup total...not per chicken).

[Dazlin]

I just give some scratch to get them in at night, or whenever I want them back in the coop. It's sort of like candy for them, although it does have some protein content. I also mix some BOSS in with it. I like to give extra scratch when the weather gets nasty, gives them extra energy.

[oregon woodsmok]

Scratch is what you use when you are out there calling "chick, chick, chick".

Throwing a bit of grain on the ground is what keeps them tame and coming when they are called.

If you are having cold weather, maybe your hens need some more corn for body heat. It's high calorie and contains more fat than most other grain.

[Tiempo]

Mine pick the oats and barley out of the scratch and leave the cracked corn.

Go figure.

[wintrrwolf]

I mix my scratch and layer together because I know they will eat every last crumb, so I rarely have to supplement oyster shell. With the cold weather now I have added cracked corn to my mix so they can keep themselves warmer. I put hay in the coop house and coop yard to keep them entertained and foraging since we now have tons of snow on the ground.

[BjornBee]

Thank you for all the advice and comments.

I didn't think about the higher fat content. Looks like they will need it this weekend.

[Bearfootfarm]

It's higher in fat but much lower in protien

[sammyd]

Prince sells a special layer crumble that contains extra Protein which makes it nice to use with scratch.
We usually just buy the regular stuff and lay off the scratch during the winter when they're cooped up though....