What's the difference between scratch and crumbles?

[honeydoll]

My hens just started laying about 3 weeks ago. I got some feed for them from the feed supply by us and it is more powdery than the crumbles from TSC. Would the powdery stuff be considered scratch? If that's scatch are my girsl getting their nutrition. The crumbles at TSC are soooo pricey. I didn't realize there was actually a difference in scratch and crumbles until now, other than the consistency.

 

[faykokoWV]

scratch usually refers to cracked corn and other grains that are given as a supplement or a treat. crumbles come in many different varieties and can be for chicks- starter
Pullets-starter-grower and adults- layer. you may also hear feed referred to as mash- as in "laying mash"

There is also a form of feed called pellets, which is just the same thing that's in the crumbles but compressed. Ask your feed supply store if they have layer pellets.. that should be your best bet

 

[faykokoWV]

also, the powdery stuff could just be crumbles that have already crumbled?

scratch is called scratch because when you throw it out for them, the chickens will walk around and scratch the ground to find and eat it... this provides them with entertainment as well as a tasty snack.

 

[honeydoll]

Thanks. I really appreciate it. Now I understand.

 

[kathyinmo]

90 - 95% of their diet should consist of the appropriate feed (starter-grower until 16 weeks, layer when laying). These feeds come in 2 forms : crumbles are small, pellets are larger.

Scratch is like candy, a snack. No more than 5 - 10% of the diet should consist of scratch, table left overs, etc., to ensure adequate nutrition.

 

[sillybirds]

You may well have bought a type of feed called "mash". Starter feed is often of this type. It's easier for the chicks to eat/digest. It is more like a coarse flour consistency than the more crumbly, aptly named "crumbles".