Chickens are natural foragers. Scratching the ground isn’t just a habit—it’s a core instinct that keeps birds active, engaged, and content. During spring and summer, when pastures and yards are alive with seeds, greens, and insects, scratch grains provide a simple way to encourage that natural behavior.
For flocks that free range, chickens spend much of the day searching for seeds, greens, and insects on their own. But many backyard flocks live in a coop with an attached run and have limited access to natural forage. In these settings, scratch grains become an important form of enrichment. Scattering a small amount in the run encourages birds to scratch, search, and stay active rather than standing around the feeder. This simple activity helps reduce boredom and promotes natural flock behavior.
In warm weather, scratch grains are best used as an occasional treat rather than a primary feed. Chickens already receive balanced nutrition from their complete feed and whatever seasonal forage they find outdoors.
Scratch should never replace a balanced layer or grower feed. Offer scratch only after birds have eaten their regular ration, and limit the amount to what the flock will clean up in about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps scratch as a reward rather than allowing it to dilute the flock’s overall nutrition.
Scratch feeding is also a great way to build trust with your birds. Chickens quickly learn to associate the sound of grain with their caretaker. Many keepers use scratch as a training tool—calling the flock back to the coop, gathering birds at dusk, or simply making daily chores more enjoyable.
Because scratch grains are whole grains, chickens must have access to grit. Grit allows the gizzard to properly grind the grain and supports healthy digestion. Free-ranging birds often find natural grit outdoors, but providing commercial grit or fine gravel ensures the entire flock has what it needs.
Oyster shell is not a substitute for grit. Oyster shell is a calcium supplement designed for laying hens and dissolves during digestion. Grit, on the other hand, remains in the gizzard to grind whole grains and feed particles.
Scratch Feeding Rule of Thumb:
Scratch grains should make up no more than about 10% of a chicken’s daily diet. Always feed complete feed first, then offer scratch as a treat or enrichment activity.
Used properly, scratch grains are a simple way to add activity, enrichment, and interaction to your flock’s routine—keeping chickens busy, curious, and content throughout the growing season.
