If you’re looking to keep your backyard flock active, healthy, and entertained, adding a scratch mix to their daily routine is one of the simplest ways to do it. While scratch should never replace a complete feed, it plays an important role in supporting natural behaviour, improving wellbeing, and boosting energy levels.
Here’s why so many chicken keepers rely on a good quality scratch mix — and why your flock will thank you for it.
What Exactly Is Scratch Mix?
Scratch mix is a blend of whole and cracked grains such as corn, wheat, barley, oats, milo, and sunflower seeds. It’s designed to be scattered on the ground, encouraging chickens to forage the way they naturally would. Scratch is high in carbohydrates, making it energising and ideal as a daily enrichment treat — just not a substitute for complete feed.
Benefits of Feeding Scratch Mix
1. Encourages Natural Foraging Behaviour
Chickens love to scratch, peck, and hunt for food — it’s what they’re built for. By scattering scratch grains, you stimulate this instinctive behaviour, keeping birds active and engaged, particularly when bugs and fresh greens are scarce.
2. Reduces Boredom & Promotes Harmony
A little scratch goes a long way in reducing coop stress. When scattered, birds spread out and stay busy, minimising bullying, pecking‑order issues, and boredom. This is especially helpful during rainy weeks or winter months when outdoor exploring is limited.
3. Provides an Energy Boost
Scratch grains are naturally high in carbs, giving your flock a quick burst of energy. This extra fuel is particularly helpful during cold weather, when digestion helps chickens stay warm. High‑energy grains like corn are especially beneficial in winter feeding routines.
4. Supports Digestion
Because scratch encourages active pecking and grinding, it helps stimulate gizzard activity, which improves digestion and overall gut health.
5. Adds Variety to Their Diet
Offering a range of grains adds texture, flavour, and small amounts of extra nutrients. Grains like barley, oats, and sunflower seeds contribute fibre, fats, and natural minerals that complement their main feed.
Scratch Mix: A Treat, Not a Main Meal
It's important to remember that scratch mix is not a balanced feed. Complete layer pellets or crumbles contain essential protein, vitamins, minerals, and calcium — none of which scratch provides in full. Most scratch mixes contain only 7–11% protein, compared to the 16–22% chickens need depending on age and life stage.
Feeding too much scratch can lead to:
Reduced egg production
Extended moults
Poor feather condition
Weight gain
Long‑term nutrient deficiencies
Experts recommend limiting scratch to no more than 10% of your flock’s diet.
How to Feed Scratch Mix Correctly
✔ Amount
Scatter 1–2 tablespoons per chicken once daily.
✔ Timing
Offer scratch in the afternoon, after your flock has consumed their complete feed for the day. This ensures they don’t fill up on treats.
✔ How to Serve
Scatter scratch across the ground to encourage spreading out and foraging. Avoid offering scratch in wet or muddy conditions as it can mould quickly.
✔ Storage
Keep your scratch mix stored in a dry, rodent‑proof container to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
When Scratch Mix Is Especially Helpful
Winter Warmth
High‑energy grains help birds maintain body heat during cold nights.
Reducing Stress or Boredom
During poor weather or shorter daylight hours, scratch keeps your flock entertained and calmer.
Training & Routine
Need to round up your birds? A sprinkle of scratch makes flock management easier and more enjoyable.
Give Your Flock the Best of Both Worlds
A good scratch mix isn’t just a treat — it’s enrichment, exercise, warmth, and mental stimulation all in one. When paired with a complete, balanced feed, scratch can help your flock stay active, healthy, and happy all year long.
