Scratch for chickens is a popular supplemental feed that provides both nutrition and enrichment for backyard flocks. The right multigrain blends support digestion, foraging behavior, and daily energy needs without relying on artificial additives. Below, five leading options are highlighted, each offering a natural mix designed to complement layer diets and keep birds active and thriving. This guide also covers key considerations to help poultry keepers choose the best scratch for their flocks.
| Product | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|
| Manna Pro 7-Grain Ultimate Chicken Scratch | Non-GMO multigrain blend with seven grains for protein and fiber |
| Manna Pro Ultimate Chicken Scratch Feed | Simple, natural formula with no artificial colors or flavors |
| Scratch and Peck Feeds Whole Grain Layer Mash | Corn-free and soy-free, 16% protein, organic and Non-GMO |
| Scratch and Peck 3 Grain Scratch | Three-grain mix, organic and Non-GMO, 9.8% protein |
| AMERICAN CLASSIC AMC Complete Scratch | Well-balanced blend for multiple species, easy to feed |
Manna Pro 7-Grain Ultimate Chicken Scratch
The Manna Pro 7-Grain Ultimate Chicken Scratch combines seven grains to deliver a high-protein, high-fiber supplement for hens and backyard birds. The blend includes corn, wheat, milo, barley, oats, sunflower seeds, and millet, providing essential vitamins and minerals to support daily energy, growth, and overall vitality. This non-GMO mix emphasizes natural ingredients and avoids artificial colors or flavors, helping maintain a natural feeding routine for flocks that forage alongside a standard layer diet.
Designed for daily enjoyment, this scratch is intended to engage birds with a visually appealing purple corn accent and a wholesome profile. With no artificial additives, it supports steady intake and helps maintain healthy digestion and activity levels. It’s suitable for a wide range of poultry, from backyard chickens to other small birds in the flock.
Manna Pro Ultimate Chicken Scratch Feed
This scratch blend focuses on a simple, nutritious formula built around corn, milo, and wheat. It’s crafted to be naturally free of artificial colors and flavors, aligning with a clean feeding approach for healthy poultry. The ingredients are selected from U.S. sources to support a wholesome diet that complements daily meals, while offering birds a varied texture and taste to encourage foraging behavior and consistent eating patterns.
The product emphasizes non-GMO ingredients, reinforcing a commitment to natural nutrition. By providing a straightforward mix that birds enjoy, it acts as a practical supplement to daily rations, helping support digestion and general well-being for backyard flocks without unnecessary additives.
Scratch and Peck Feeds Whole Grain Layer Mash
Scratch and Peck Feeds Whole Grain Layer Mash is a corn-free and soy-free option formulated to support growth and vitality with 16% protein. It emphasizes organic grains and sustainable ingredients to provide wholesome nutrition for both chickens and ducks. This version is designed to promote healthy weight gain, robust feathering, and strong bone development in laying birds while avoiding common allergens and fillers.
In addition to its organic and Non-GMO certifications, the feed is described as versatile, suitable for various feeding styles and birds. The absence of corn and soy can be advantageous for flocks with sensitivities or dietary preferences, while the 16% protein helps sustain egg production and general energy without overfeeding.
Scratch and Peck Feeds Whole Grain Layer Mash – 40 Lbs
The 40-pound bag of Scratch and Peck Feeds Whole Grain Layer Mash continues the corn-free, soy-free, 16% protein approach with a focus on premium organic and Non-GMO ingredients. This larger option supports larger flocks or seasonal feeding needs while maintaining the same commitment to wholesome nutrition. It’s suited for laying chickens and ducks, encouraging steady egg production through a balanced blend of grains and protein-rich components.
Quality remains a central theme, with emphasis on premium ingredients and careful processing. The feed is designed to deliver clean nutrition without fillers, aligning with organic and Non-GMO standards. Fermentation is also a potential feeding option in some SKUs, offering flexibility in how flocks receive their nutrition.
Scratch and Peck 3 Grain Scratch
Scratch and Peck 3 Grain Scratch offers a compact, energy-dense treat with nine to ten percent protein. The mix features a three-grain blend designed for summer use, as the slower-digesting grains help minimize overheating in warm months. This blend is certified organic and Non-GMO, ensuring higher-quality ingredients and safer feeding practices for healthy flock development.
The formulation emphasizes pure organic nutrition with no unnecessary additives. It supports foraging behavior while providing essential energy, making it a practical option for birds that require a lighter scratch option during hot weather or transitional seasons.
AMERICAN CLASSIC AMC Complete Scratch
AMC Complete Scratch is a premium blend designed for a diverse flock, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, and gamebirds. The 10-pound bag is easy to handle and encourages consistent feeding, with a mixture optimized to support growth and vitality across species. The product emphasizes using high-quality ingredients and modern processing techniques to deliver reliable nutrition for mixed-species flocks.
In practice, AMC Complete Scratch supports easy feeding options—whether tossed into a coop, scattered in a feeder, or spread on the ground. The blend balances texture and flavor to promote steady consumption and maintain flock health, making it a versatile choice for multi-species backyard setups.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
When selecting scratch for chickens, consider grain variety, protein levels, and dietary restrictions. Corn-free and soy-free options may benefit birds with sensitivities, while a 16% protein target supports laying hens and growing chicks. Organic and Non-GMO certifications indicate higher-quality ingredients and fewer additives. For larger flocks, pricing and bag size can influence overall cost and feeding workflow, while fermentation-ready options offer feeding flexibility and improved gut health.
Texture and foraging value matter: scratch should supplement, not replace, a balanced ration. A visually appealing blend with colorful corn can encourage consistent intake, though color alone isn’t a measure of nutrition. For mixed-species flocks, multi-species formulations provide broad nutrition, but ensure the fat and protein levels align with the specific needs of your birds. Finally, review storage requirements and shelf stability to preserve freshness and nutrient integrity over time.