Limit scratch grains to an occasional treat

Offer scratch grains (cracked corn, wheat, mixed grains) only as a small treat, not a dietary staple. Scratch is high in carbohydrates and energy but low in protein (typically 7–9% vs. 16% in layer feed) and lacks essential vitamins and minerals. Keep scratch to no more than 10% of daily intake — roughly one small handful per bird.

Why It Works

Chickens prefer scratch over balanced feed, much like children prefer candy over vegetables. Overfeeding scratch dilutes the nutritional value of their diet, leading to obesity, reduced egg production, and soft or thin-shelled eggs from insufficient protein and calcium. The metabolic heat generated by digesting scratch grains is often cited as a winter benefit, but the effect is modest.

Tips

• Feed scratch in the late afternoon so hens fill up on layer feed during the day first
• Scatter scratch on the ground in the run to encourage natural foraging and scratching behavior
• In summer, reduce or eliminate scratch — the extra metabolic heat adds stress in hot weather
• Whole grains like wheat or barley are nutritionally superior to cracked corn as scratch options