Why Scratch Grain Isn’t a Complete Feed — And What Your Flock Really Needs

Many backyard chicken keepers love tossing scratch grain to their hens. Watching your birds scratch, peck, and chase after kernels can be entertaining — and it feels like a reward for a job well done. But while scratch grain can be fun, it isn’t a substitute for a balanced, complete feed. If your flock relies too heavily on scratch, it may miss essential nutrients, resulting in poor feather quality, decreased egg production, and even health issues.

At Eden Feeds, we believe that understanding what your chickens eat is just as important as watching them eat. Here’s what you need to know about scratch grain and how to use it wisely.

What Scratch Grain Really Is

Scratch grain typically contains a mix of cracked or whole grains such as corn, wheat, barley, and sometimes sunflower seeds. While it’s high in carbohydrates — giving your chickens a quick energy boost — it’s low in protein, calcium, vitamins, and trace minerals.

In other words, scratch grain is a treat, not a complete meal. Relying on it too heavily can leave gaps in your flock’s nutrition.

Why Scratch Grain Can’t Replace Complete Feed

There are several reasons scratch grain shouldn’t replace a high-quality layer or starter feed:

1. Chickens pick what they like. Birds naturally eat the tastiest pieces first, leaving behind less nutritious grains. Over time, this selective eating can lead to an unbalanced diet.

2. Missing key nutrients. Scratch grain lacks many of the nutrients that hens need daily, including calcium for strong eggshells, essential amino acids for feather growth, and vitamins that support immunity.

3. Overfeeding can reduce egg production. If chickens fill up on scratch, they may eat less of their complete feed — and that’s when you start seeing nutrition-related problems.

Scratch grain is best thought of as a supplement, not a staple.

When Scratch Can Be Useful

Even though scratch isn’t a complete feed, it still has a place in your flock’s diet:

• Enrichment: Scattering scratch in the run or yard encourages natural foraging behavior, keeping your hens active and entertained.

• Treats: Use scratch as an occasional afternoon snack rather than a main meal. Limit treats to 10% or less of their daily diet.

• Bonding: Hand-feeding scratch is a fun way to build trust with your birds.

Feeding Tips for a Healthy Flock

To keep your chickens happy, healthy, and laying their best eggs:

1. Feed complete feed first. Make sure your flock always has access to a nutritionally balanced layer or starter feed.

2. Use scratch as enrichment. Scatter a small handful in the yard or coop in the afternoon for fun, not nutrition.

3. Include occasional protein-rich treats. Mealworms, pumpkin seeds, or other natural protein sources support feather growth and egg production.

4. Monitor portions. Treats should never exceed 10% of the total diet.

By following these tips, your flock gets the best of both worlds: balanced nutrition and the joy of scratching around for treats.

Scratch grain can be a fun and enriching addition to your flock’s life — but it’s no replacement for complete feed. Prioritizing a high-quality, balanced feed ensures your chickens stay healthy, happy, and productive year-round. Treat scratch as a fun supplement, keep protein-rich treats in moderation, and watch your flock thrive.

📎 Want to learn more:

• Backyard Chickens: Guide to Feeding Scratch Grain

• Hobby Farms: Supplement with Scratch