11 Important Things You Need to Know About Chicken Scratch
What scratch is, why chickens love it, when and how to feed it (for chicks and adults), nutrition basics, scratch vs. layer feed, a homemade recipe—and smart herb add-ons for winter warmth, summer cooling, and cozy nesting boxes.
1) What Is Chicken Scratch?
Chicken scratch is a loose mix of grains and seeds given as a treat. It’s high in carbohydrates and fat, which makes it energizing—but not a complete feed. Most keepers scatter it on the ground so hens can peck and scratch for it—great enrichment and flock bonding.
Common base grains are wheat, barley, cracked corn, and oats. You’ll also see small grains/seeds like milo and millet, plus add-ins such as black oil sunflower seeds (B.O.S.S.) or split peas. Some keepers ferment or sprout scratch to boost digestibility and variety.
Common Chicken Scratch Ingredients (Quick Chart)
| Ingredient | Type | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat | Grain | Reliable energy and texture; sprouts well for fodder. |
| Barley | Grain | Variety; can be sprouted/fermented for easier digestion. |
| Cracked Corn | Grain | High-energy kernels; especially handy in cold weather. |
| Oats | Grain | Palatable; nice in warm mash or quick soaks. |
| Milo (sorghum) | Grain | Small, encourages foraging; common in bagged scratch. |
| Millet | Seed | Tiny seed that keeps birds moving and searching. |
| Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (B.O.S.S.) | Seed | Fatty “booster” for condition—use sparingly. |
| Split Peas | Legume | Protein bump; better after soaking/fermenting. |
2) Why Is It Called “Chicken Scratch”?
Chickens instinctively scratch the ground with their feet to uncover food, then peck it up. Even day-old chicks do this. That purposeful tangle of scuffs looks a lot like messy handwriting—hence the everyday phrase, “chicken scratch.”
3) Is Chicken Scratch Good for Chickens?
Yes—as a treat. Because scratch is energy-dense (carbs + fat), keep all treats (including scratch) to about ≤ 10% of the daily diet. It’s especially handy in cold weather—digestion generates a bit of heat overnight.
- Offer complete feed first; serve scratch afterward.
- In heat, reduce or skip scratch to avoid extra digestive warmth.
- Use scatter-feeding to increase activity, break up crowding, and reduce boredom.
Scatter small amounts so birds spread out and forage—great enrichment and calmer roosting.
Warming Herbs for Chickens
A gentle winter companion to scratch: supports circulation, digestion, and calm routines on cold evenings. Sprinkle lightly in feed or brew a mild tea (cooled fully).
Shop Warming Herbs4) At What Age Can Chickens Eat Scratch?
You can offer scratch at any age—in tiny amounts—if you follow a few rules:
- Feed first, treats second: Balanced chick starter/grower before any scratch.
- Keep treats under 10% of the diet—chicks fill up fast.
- Provide chick grit if they don’t free-range (they need it to grind coarse grains).
- Use “chick scratch” (smaller pieces) for young birds; adults can eat it too.
In nature, chicks scavenge seeds early—what matters is that your main feed remains the foundation and scratch stays a side treat.
Deep dive for new keepers: 17 Pro Tips – How to Properly Feed Baby Chicks
5) Can You Give Scratch in Summer?
You can, but scratch is more useful in cool weather. In heat, focus on hydration and water-rich greens. If you do offer scratch in summer, give it earlier in the day and keep portions small.
- Offer pesticide-free garden weeds, leafy greens, and grass clippings for hydration and enrichment.
- Grow mint—cooling aroma, enrichment, and fewer flies.
- Encourage drinking with chilled water or a mild herbal tea (cooled completely).
Cooling Herbs for Chickens
Help hens through heat waves: brew a mild tea or mix a pinch into feed to encourage hydration and reduce heat-stress behaviors.
Shop Cooling Herbs
A chilled herbal tea (cooled fully) entices better drinking on hot days.
Heat wave playbook: 17 Tips – How to Keep Chickens Cool in Extreme Heat
6) When Is the Best Time to Feed Scratch?
Late afternoon or early evening in cold weather works beautifully. Fill crops after the day’s complete feed; the slow overnight digestion gives a small warmth boost. In summer, if you use scratch, consider morning instead and keep it light.
7) Is It OK to Feed Only Scratch?
No. Scratch is like dessert—tasty and energizing, but not balanced. A scratch-heavy diet can cause protein and micronutrient gaps and lead to weight gain without the essentials. Keep scratch as an occasional treat after complete feed.
8) What’s the Difference Between Layer Feed and Scratch?
- Layer feed: Complete and balanced (often 16–20% protein) with added calcium for shell quality; sold as pellets, crumbles, or mash. Most pullets start laying between 16–20 weeks.
- Scratch: Mixed grains/seeds; lower protein (~8–9%), higher carbs/fat; not a complete feed.
9) How Do You Feed Scratch Grains?
- Scatter method: Toss a small amount across the run so birds spread out and dig—reduces crowding and spats.
- Hand feed: A few kernels from your palm builds trust (and great for quick head counts).
- Fermented scratch: Soak grains in clean water 24–48 hours; drain and feed small portions for improved digestibility.
- Fodder: Sprout grains 4–7 days; sprouting “unlocks” nutrients and adds hydration.
Nesting Box Herbs
Keep nests inviting and calm. Sprinkle a small handful when you refresh bedding to encourage steady laying and cleaner eggs.
Shop Nesting Box Herbs
Fresh, fragrant nests reduce stress and keep eggs cleaner—great companion to a smart scratch routine.
Learn step-by-steps: How to Ferment Chicken Feed – 6 Simple Steps (Photos) · How to Make Chicken Fodder – Step by Step 7 Day Guide with Photos
10) What Is the Nutritional Content of Chicken Scratch?
Typical scratch averages around 8–9% protein, ~3% fat, and ~4% fiber (varies by brand/formula). Think of it as an energy treat, not a staple. Serve only what birds finish in 10–15 minutes, after complete feed.
11) Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe
A classic scratch contains cracked corn, wheat, oats, and barley. I like to add a few “boosters” for variety. Mix equal parts of the core ingredients; add small amounts of boosters; and only serve what the flock can finish in 10–15 minutes.
Core (equal parts)
- Cracked corn
- Wheat
- Oats
- Barley
Optional add-ins
- Black oil sunflower seeds (B.O.S.S.)
- Split peas
- Pumpkin seeds
- Milo, millet
- Dried cranberries or raisins (sparingly)
Final Thoughts: Treat Smart, Feed First
- Keep scratch to ≤ 10% of daily intake.
- Offer complete feed first, treats after.
- Winter evenings are prime time; in heat, reduce or skip.
- For chicks, use chick scratch and provide grit if not free-ranging.
Warming Herbs for Chickens
A cozy blend of oregano, thyme, sage, bay leaf, rosemary, and basil to help your chickens stay resilient, comfortable, and healthy during the colder months.
Shop Warming Herbs
Nesting Box Herbs for Chickens
A fragrant blend of marigold, chamomile, peppermint, parsley, rosemary, fennel seed, dandelion, marjoram, and lavender to promote clean, inviting, stress-free nesting areas.
Shop Nesting Box Herbs
Cooling Herbs for Chickens
A refreshing blend of hibiscus, peppermint, rose petals, lemon balm, and chamomile to keep your flock comfortable during hot summer days. Perfect in teas, feed toppers, or dust baths.
Shop Cooling Herbs11 Important Things You Need to Know About Chicken Scratch– https://www.backyardchickensmama.com/important-things-you-need-to-know-about-chicken-scratch/
