Scratch Grain vs Layer Feed: What’s the Difference?

If you keep chickens, you have probably seen bags of scratch grain and layer feed at your local feed store and wondered whether they are basically the same thing.

scratch grain vs layer feed

They are not.

Although both are used to feed chickens, scratch grain and layer feed have different purposes. Layer feed is formulated as a complete ration for laying hens, while scratch grain is generally a mixture of grains used as a supplemental feed or treat.

Understanding the difference can help you choose the right feed for your flock and avoid unintentionally replacing important nutrients with too much grain.

For Ontario backyard chicken keepers, small farms and homesteads, the simple rule is:

Layer feed should form the nutritional foundation for laying hens. Scratch grain can be offered separately and in moderation when appropriate.

What Is Scratch Grain?

Scratch grain is a mixture of whole, cracked or coarsely processed grains. Common grains used in scratch mixtures can include corn, wheat, barley and oats.

Ontario's agricultural terminology defines “scratch” as whole, cracked or coarsely cut grain.

Scratch grain is popular with backyard chicken owners because chickens naturally enjoy pecking and scratching through grains. It can also provide variety and encourage natural foraging behaviour.

However, scratch grain should not automatically be considered a complete chicken diet.

Scratch mixtures vary considerably in their ingredients and nutritional composition.

Because they are primarily grain-based, feeding large amounts can dilute the nutritional balance of a complete ration.

What Is Layer Feed?

Layer feed is formulated specifically for laying hens. It is available in forms such as mash, pellets and crumble.

A properly formulated layer ration provides a combination of nutrients required by hens during the laying stage, including protein, energy, vitamins and minerals.

Calcium is particularly important in diets for laying hens because eggshell formation requires substantial calcium. Ontario poultry nutrition guidance explains that calcium and phosphorus must be carefully balanced in poultry diets, with laying and breeding hens having higher calcium requirements than many other birds.

Penn State Extension similarly recommends a complete layer ration for hens and notes that layer diets are commonly formulated around the nutritional needs of birds in production.

Scratch Grain vs Layer Feed: The Main Difference

The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at their purpose.

Feature	Scratch Grain	Layer Feed
Main purpose	Supplemental grain/treat	Complete ration for laying hens
Typical ingredients	Corn, wheat, barley and other grains	Formulated blend of grains, protein sources, vitamins and minerals
Nutritional balance	Varies by product	Formulated to provide a balanced diet
Suitable as the only feed?	Generally no	Yes, when correctly formulated for the birds
For laying hens	Supplemental use	Main feed
Variety/enrichment	Yes	Primary nutrition
Calcium formulation	Not necessarily sufficient	Formulated for laying-hen requirements

The exact nutritional composition always depends on the individual product, so read the feed label before feeding.

Can Scratch Grain Replace Layer Feed?

No.

Scratch grain should not normally replace a complete layer ration for laying hens.

A grain mixture can provide energy, but it does not necessarily provide all of the protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients required by laying hens.

Penn State Extension specifically cautions that scratch grains and cracked corn are not appropriate as the sole diet for chickens. Mixing too much scratch with a complete ration can also dilute the nutritional balance of the complete feed.

This is one of the most important differences between the two products.

Think of it this way:

Layer feed = nutritional foundation

Scratch grain = supplemental variety

Why Do Chicken Keepers Use Scratch Grain?

There are several reasons backyard chicken owners like scratch grain.

1. It Provides Variety

Chickens naturally enjoy searching, pecking and scratching for food. A suitable scratch mixture can add variety to their feeding routine.

2. It Encourages Natural Foraging Behaviour

Scattering a small amount of scratch grain in an appropriate area can encourage chickens to scratch and forage.

3. It Can Be Useful as a Supplemental Feed

Scratch can provide additional energy, but it should remain supplemental rather than replacing the flock's complete ration.

4. It Can Be Useful During Cold Weather

Chickens may consume more feed during cold weather. The University of Minnesota Extension notes that flock feed intake can increase during cold conditions and recommends maintaining access to a balanced diet. It also notes that scratch grains may be offered in moderation.

How Much Scratch Grain Should Chickens Eat?

There is no single amount that applies to every flock because the appropriate quantity depends on the birds, their complete ration, season, environment and other factors.

The important principle is moderation.

The University of Minnesota Extension recommends keeping scratch grains limited and gives a practical guideline of no more than a handful per 10 birds. It also emphasizes that treats should never replace a balanced ration.

If you provide too much scratch grain, chickens may consume less of their complete feed. This can reduce the amount of balanced nutrition they receive.

For that reason, give scratch after or alongside the normal feeding routine rather than allowing it to become the main food source.

What Should Laying Hens Eat?

For mature laying hens, a complete layer ration should generally be the foundation of the feeding program.

The exact feed should be selected according to the bird's age, production stage and the manufacturer's feeding directions.

Penn State Extension recommends transitioning birds to a layer ration once they reach the laying stage, while the University of Minnesota also identifies complete feeds from feed stores as a good option for small-flock owners.

Fresh, clean water should also be available at all times.

What About Calcium?

Calcium is one of the major nutritional differences to consider when comparing a complete layer ration with a simple grain mixture.

Laying hens use calcium to produce eggshells. A properly formulated layer feed is designed with the nutritional requirements of laying birds in mind.

Ontario's poultry nutrition guidance explains that calcium requirements and calcium-to-phosphorus relationships are particularly important in laying and breeding hens.

Some chicken keepers also provide an additional calcium source such as oyster shell separately. The appropriate approach depends on the complete diet and flock management program.

Do not assume that a bag of scratch grain provides the same calcium balance as a formulated layer ration.

Scratch Grain, Pellets, Crumble or Mash?

Another common question is whether pellets, crumble or mash are better.

These terms primarily describe the physical form of the feed, not necessarily whether the feed is nutritionally complete.

Ontario explains that:

• Pellets are feed compressed into cylindrical pieces.

• Crumble is pelleted feed broken into smaller pieces.

• Mash consists of ground ingredients mixed together.

  
  

The nutritional value depends on the formulation, not simply whether the feed is a pellet, crumble or mash.

For laying hens, look for a product specifically formulated as a complete layer feed and follow the manufacturer's directions.

What About Backyard Chickens in Ontario?

Ontario backyard flocks can face changing feeding conditions throughout the year.

During winter, outdoor foraging opportunities may decrease and feed intake can increase. During summer, heat can affect feeding behaviour.

The foundation should remain a suitable balanced diet, with fresh water available at all times.

For Ontario chicken keepers, it is also important to store feed properly. Keep feed protected from moisture, pests and contamination.

Buying the right feed is only part of good flock management. Proper storage helps maintain feed quality and reduces waste.

A Simple Feeding Strategy for Backyard Layers

For many backyard laying flocks, the feeding routine can be kept simple:

Step 1 – Choose the correct complete layer feed

Select a layer ration appropriate for mature laying hens.

Step 2 – Make the layer feed the nutritional foundation

Allow the hens appropriate access to their complete ration according to the manufacturer's directions.

Step 3 – Provide clean water

Fresh, clean drinking water should always be available.

Step 4 – Offer scratch grain only as a supplement

If you choose to provide scratch, keep the quantity moderate so it does not displace the complete feed.

Step 5 – Monitor your flock

Observe body condition, feed consumption, egg production, eggshell quality and general flock behaviour.

If you have concerns about nutrition, consult a poultry nutritionist or veterinarian.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you are deciding between scratch grain and layer feed for laying hens, the answer depends on what you need the product to do.

Choose Layer Feed When:

• You need the main feed for laying hens.

• You want a formulated complete ration.

• Your birds are actively laying.

• You want their primary diet to provide appropriate protein, vitamins and minerals.

• You are replacing or establishing the main feed for your flock.

  
  

Choose Scratch Grain When:

• You want to provide supplemental grain.

• You want to add variety to the feeding routine.

• You want to encourage natural scratching and foraging.

• You understand that it should not replace the complete ration.

FAQ?

Is scratch grain the same as layer feed?

No. Scratch grain is generally a supplemental mixture of whole, cracked or coarsely processed grains. Layer feed is formulated as a complete ration for laying hens.

Can laying hens eat scratch grain?

Yes, scratch grain can be offered to laying hens as a supplement when appropriate, but it should not replace their complete layer ration. Scratch should be provided in moderation.

Is layer feed better than scratch grain?

They serve different purposes. Layer feed is the better choice for the primary diet of laying hens because it is formulated to provide balanced nutrition. Scratch grain is better considered a supplemental grain.

Can chickens live on scratch grain alone?

Scratch grain should not normally be used as the sole diet for laying hens because it may not provide the complete balance of nutrients they require.

When should chickens start eating layer feed?

Birds should transition to a layer ration when they reach the appropriate laying stage. The exact timing can vary with the birds and feeding program, so follow the feed manufacturer's recommendations.

Does scratch grain help chickens in winter?

Scratch grain can provide supplemental energy and encourage scratching activity, but chickens should continue receiving their balanced diet throughout winter. Feed intake may increase in cold weather.

Should I mix scratch grain into layer feed?

You can provide scratch separately, but be careful not to provide so much that birds reduce their consumption of the complete ration. Excessive supplementation can dilute the nutritional balance of the complete feed.

What is the best feed for laying hens?

A complete layer ration formulated for laying hens is generally the appropriate foundation for the diet. Choose a product according to the birds' stage and follow its label directions.

Do laying hens need calcium?

Laying hens have significant calcium requirements because calcium is used in eggshell formation. A properly formulated layer ration is designed around the nutritional needs of laying birds. Additional calcium supplementation should be considered based on the complete diet and flock management program.

Can I feed scratch grain to chicks?

Do not assume scratch grain is appropriate for chicks. Young birds have different nutritional requirements from laying hens and should receive a feed formulated for their age and production stage.