The Role of Scratch Grains in Poultry Diets and Behavior

Feeding scratch grains to chickens is a long-standing practice rooted in both tradition and science. While not intended to replace a complete poultry feed, scratch grains provide valuable benefits when used properly, as both a nutritional supplement and a tool for enhancing flock behavior. When selected and administered correctly, these humble grains can enrich your birds' health, promote natural instincts, and contribute to a more active, satisfied flock.

In this post, we’ll explore the role of scratch grains in poultry care, highlight the benefits of using Blue Ribbon Poultry Scratch Grains from Kreamer Feed, and provide tips for responsible and effective use.

What Are Scratch Grains?

Scratch grains for chickens typically consist of a mix of whole or cracked grains like corn, wheat, and oats. Unlike complete feeds, scratch grains are not nutritionally balanced, they are meant to be a supplement, not a primary food source. Their main purpose is to encourage natural behaviors like pecking, scratching, and foraging, which are critical to the mental and physical well-being of poultry.

The name “scratch” comes from how these grains are fed, scattered on the ground to stimulate scratching behavior, mimicking the way chickens forage in the wild. This simple activity helps prevent boredom, which can lead to aggression, feather picking, and other problematic behaviors.

Nutritional Benefits of Scratch Grains

Although they aren’t a complete feed, poultry scratch grain supplements can still offer significant nutritional value, especially when used alongside a balanced diet.

Energy Boost

Scratch grains are rich in carbohydrates, which provide quick energy. This is particularly useful during colder months, when birds need extra calories to maintain body heat. Feeding scratch grains in the evening allows chickens to digest overnight, helping them stay warm.

Fiber and Intestinal Health

Whole grains like oats and wheat contribute to fiber intake, which supports a healthy digestive system. The act of grinding whole grains in the gizzard also aids digestion and helps develop strong, muscular digestive organs.

Encouraging Balanced Foraging

Grains encourage natural pecking and scratching, which can lead chickens to also consume insects, grass, and grit while foraging, helping round out their overall nutrient intake.

The Behavioral Benefits of Scratch Grains

Beyond nutrition, scratch grains play a significant role in poultry behavior. Chickens are instinctive foragers, and denying them the ability to scratch and peck can result in frustration and stress.

Mental Stimulation

Scattering scratch grains keeps your flock mentally engaged. Foraging is a deeply ingrained behavior that helps reduce anxiety and stress, especially in enclosed environments like coops or runs.

Reducing Aggression and Pecking

Bored or confined chickens often turn on each other. Offering a natural scratch grain mix gives them something to do and distracts them from bad habits like feather pecking or bullying.

Encouraging Flock Bonding

Feeding scratch grains as a treat fosters positive interactions between birds and between birds and their caretakers. This can make flock management easier and improve the social dynamic within your group.

Why Choose Blue Ribbon Poultry Scratch Grains?

Not all scratch grains are created equal. Blue Ribbon poultry scratch grains by Kreamer Feed stand out for their commitment to quality, freshness, and non-GMO ingredients.

Non-GMO Project Verified

These scratch grains are Non-GMO, meaning they’re made from crops that haven’t been genetically modified. This aligns with consumer demand for clean, natural poultry products and promotes animal health.

Simple, Natural Ingredients

Blue Ribbon's natural scratch grain mix includes:

• Cracked corn

• Wheat

• Oats

That’s it, no additives, animal by-products, or growth hormones. This makes it a safe and wholesome choice for flocks of all sizes.

Freshly Mixed, Locally Made

Kreamer Feed takes pride in its freshly mixed feeds, produced in a plant-based facility with strict quality control. This guarantees the product your flock receives is clean, nutritious, and ethically produced.

Feeding Guidelines for Scratch Grains

Scratch grains should always be considered a treat or supplement, not a staple. Overuse can lead to imbalances in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

How Much to Feed

Scratch grains should make up no more than 10% of your chickens’ total diet. A general rule of thumb: provide only what your flock can consume within 15–20 minutes.

Best Time to Feed

Offer scratch grains in the late afternoon or early evening. This ensures your birds consume their complete feed (which contains vital nutrients like calcium and protein) earlier in the day before filling up on grains.

Use for Training and Taming

Scatter a small amount by hand or in a familiar location to build trust with your flock. Chickens quickly associate scratch grain treats with positive interaction, making it easier to manage or catch birds when necessary.

Final Thoughts

Scratch grains may seem like a simple addition to a poultry diet, but their impact is powerful. From boosting energy and promoting digestive health, to reducing boredom and encouraging natural behavior, they provide both physiological and psychological benefits  for your flock.

However, moderation is key. Used correctly, Blue Ribbon Poultry Scratch Grains offer a high-quality, non-GMO scratch grain solution that complements your birds' main feed and enriches their daily routine.

For flocks that thrive on variety, movement, and mental stimulation, scratch grains are more than just a treat, they’re a tool for healthier, happier poultry.

Discover more about  Blue Ribbon Poultry Scratch Grains  today.