When it comes to raising chickens, one of the most important things to consider is their diet. Chickens need a balanced diet that provides them with the nutrients they need to lay eggs, stay healthy, and grow strong.
One of the most common questions new chicken owners ask is whether they should feed their chickens chicken scratch or chicken laying pellets.
In this article, we’ll compare the two options and help you decide which one is right for your flock and much more!
What is Chicken Scratch?
Chicken scratch is a mixture of grains, seeds, and other small particles that chickens love to peck at. It usually contains a combination of corn, wheat, barley, and other grains, as well as sunflower seeds, millet, and other small seeds. Chicken scratch is often used as a treat or a supplement to a chicken’s regular diet, as it is not nutritionally complete on its own. You’ll find that chicken scratch while high in carbohydrates and fats, it doesn’t have enough protein to keep your laying hens healthy.
What are Laying Pellets?
Chicken laying pellets, on the other hand, are a complete, balanced diet for chickens that are designed to provide them with all the nutrients they need to lay eggs and stay healthy. They are made from a combination of grains, protein sources, and other ingredients that are specifically formulated for laying hens. Chicken laying pellets usually contain around 16-18% protein, as well as vitamins and minerals that are important for egg production and overall health.
How Often Should You Feed Your Chickens Scratch?
In total, it’s best to feed your chickens scratch occasionally, around 1-2 times per week. Do not feed your chickens too much scratch, because they tend to like it much more than laying pellets. As a tip, always feed your scratch after your hens have eaten their laying pellets for the day. Remember, while your chickens may love scratch, it can cost you quite a bit for not a lot of nutrition. If you have the money for only one type of feed, opt for the laying pellets.
How Often Should You Feed Your Chickens Laying Pellets?
As a general rule, chickens really can’t eat too many laying pellets, so it’s fine to feed them as many as they want. Most people will even include a gravity feeder to keep a constant supply of laying pellets available. Again, laying pellets are formulated to give the chickens exactly what they need. Chickens will stop eating on their own, so don’t worry about overfeeding!
Is Scratch or Pellets Better for Chickens?
In total, Laying pellets are the better option for your chickens due to the fact that they are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of laying hens, while scratch is considered to be more of a treat.
While chicken scratch is a great treat for chickens and can be a fun addition to their diet, it should not be the main source of their nutrition. Chicken scratch is not nutritionally complete, and if your chickens eat too much of it, they may not be getting the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and lay eggs regularly.
Chicken laying pellets contain a balanced ratio of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are designed to promote healthy egg production and overall chicken health. If you want your chickens to lay eggs regularly and stay healthy, laying pellets is the way to go.
That being said, it’s still okay to give your chickens chicken scratch as a treat or supplement to their diet. Just make sure they are also getting enough laying pellets to meet their nutritional needs.
Do Chickens Need Scratch and Pellets?
As a general rule, chickens do not need Scratch at all. As mentioned above in the article, laying pellets are sufficient on their own to provide the nutrients needed to keep your chickens healthy.
Is Scratch Bad for Chickens?
Chicken Scratch is not bad for your chickens in moderation. Chicken scratch can actually have a few hidden benefits such as keeping your chicken warm, and active.
Chicken scratch contains quite a bit of carbs and fats that will increase your chickens’ warmth during winter. Feeding your chickens scratch is also a great way to increase your chickens’ activity if they are suffering from boredom. Just toss them a handful and get ready for some happy clucking.
Do Chickens Need Scratch in the Winter?
While chickens don’t necessarily need scratch for the winter, it’s not a bad addition to your flock’s nutrition. In general, Scratch can keep your chickens warm during the winter months. Chicken scratch can keep your chicken warm due to its high carb and fat content. Chickens will also produce more heat as they digest the scratch.
Laying Pellets vs Layer Crumbles
While laying pellets and crumbles are very similar in nature, I encourage you to check out the entire article I wrote on Laying Pellets vs Layer Crumbles! If you enjoyed this article, I think you’d also enjoy that one!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while chicken scratch is a fun treat for chickens, it should not be the main source of their nutrition. Chicken laying pellets are a complete, balanced diet that is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of laying hens. By feeding your chickens a diet that is rich in laying pellets and supplemented with treats like chicken scratch, you can help ensure that they stay healthy, happy, and productive.