As winter settles in, poultry owners often look for ways to keep their chickens and ducks healthy and comfortable. Scratch grains are a popular addition to winter diets, offering both nutritional benefits and practical advantages during colder months. Here’s why scratch grains are a winter essential for your flock and how to use them effectively.
What Are Scratch Grains?
Scratch grains are a mix of cracked or whole grains, such as corn, wheat, barley, oats, and millet. Unlike a complete feed, scratch grains are a supplemental treat rather than a primary food source. They provide an energy boost and encourage natural foraging behaviors, making them especially useful in winter.
Benefits of Scratch Grains in Winter
- Provides an Energy Boost
- How It Helps: The high carbohydrate content in scratch grains helps chickens and ducks generate body heat.
- Why It’s Important: During winter, poultry burn more calories to stay warm, and the extra energy from scratch grains helps meet their increased metabolic needs.
- Promotes Natural Behavior
- How It Helps: Scattering scratch grains encourages foraging and scratching, keeping chickens and ducks active even when confined to the coop or run.
- Why It’s Important: Activity reduces boredom and stress, which can lead to negative behaviors like feather pecking or bullying.
- Supports Digestive Health
- How It Helps: Foraging for scratch grains stimulates the digestive system, as the gizzard grinds down the grains. Ducks also benefit from the added grit provided by natural scratching areas.
- Why It’s Important: A healthy digestive system is essential for nutrient absorption, especially during cold months.
- Keeps Birds Warm Overnight
- How It Helps: Feeding scratch grains in the evening allows chickens and ducks to digest overnight, generating internal heat as they metabolize the grains.
- Why It’s Important: This natural heating process helps them stay warmer during the coldest hours of the night.
How to Feed Scratch Grains in Winter
- As a Supplement, Not a Staple
- Scratch grains should make up no more than 10% of your flock’s daily diet.
- Always provide a complete feed alongside scratch grains to ensure your birds receive balanced nutrition.
- Scatter for Foraging
- Scatter the grains on dry bedding, in the run, or around the yard to encourage natural scratching and pecking behaviors.
- For ducks, consider placing scratch grains in shallow dishes or directly on the ground where they can easily access them.
- Feed in the Evening
- Offering scratch grains an hour or two before roosting allows your flock to digest the food overnight, helping them generate warmth.
- Monitor Portions
- Overfeeding scratch grains can lead to obesity or reduced intake of complete feed, so adjust the amount based on your flock size and activity level.
Types of Scratch Grains
Not all scratch grains are created equal. Look for high-quality blends that match your flock’s needs:
- Chickens: A mix of cracked corn, wheat, and barley is ideal for energy and foraging stimulation.
- Ducks: Opt for whole grains or larger pieces, as ducks may struggle to pick up fine particles.
For added variety and nutritional value, mix in extras like black oil sunflower seeds or mealworms.
Additional Tips for Winter Feeding
- Provide Fresh Water: Scratch grains are dry and can increase thirst, so ensure your flock always has access to clean, unfrozen water.
- Avoid Moldy Grains: Store scratch grains in a dry, sealed container to prevent mold, which can be toxic to poultry.
- Combine with Other Winter Treats: Pair scratch grains with other cold-weather foods like warm oatmeal or vegetable scraps for a balanced and enriching diet.
Conclusion
Scratch grains are a versatile and beneficial addition to your flock’s winter care routine. By providing an energy boost, encouraging natural behaviors, and supporting digestive health, they help chickens and ducks thrive during the colder months. With proper feeding practices, scratch grains can be a valuable tool in keeping your flock happy, healthy, and warm all winter long.
