Scratch Block for Chickens

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If you are looking for tips on using a scratch block for chickens, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From what it is, if it is good for your flock, what options are there to purchase, and can you make one yourself?

Use this info to decide if you want to add a scratch block to your chicken-raising routine.

Scratch Block for Chickens

The more I research chickens, the more new things I discover—for instance, scratch blocks. I never saw or used one for years until I stumbled on one in a feed store. Yes, I used them with our other livestock, but never for our chickens.

Maybe you’ve heard about scratch blocks—or maybe you’re like me, and you’ve seen them in your local feed store. But what exactly are they, and why might your flock love one?

Whether you’re new to backyard chickens or you’ve been at this for a while, we are going to dive in deep to scratch blocks so you can decide if they are a right fit for you and your coop.

What Is a Scratch Block?

A scratch block is like the chicken version of a granola bar. It’s a solid, compressed block packed with seeds, grains, and other nutritious ingredients. Chickens peck at the block to eat it, mimicking their natural foraging behavior.

Scratch blocks encourage activity and can cut down on boredom in a flock. Their main purpose is to provide stimulation, both mentally and physically, giving your birds something to do.

This can be incredibly helpful, especially if your chickens are confined or they are stuck inside during the winter months when free-ranging isn’t possible.

If I have learned one thing in all my years of raising chickens, scratching chickens are happy chickens, and happy chickens are healthier.

Pros and Cons of Using a Scratch Block

As with anything, there are good sides and bad sides. Before adding a scratch block to your coop, it’s important to know both.

Pros:

• Prevents boredom: A scratch block can keep your flock entertained and engaged, helping to prevent problems like bullying weaker members.
• Mental stimulation: Pecking and scratching mimic a chicken’s natural behavior, keeping them engaged and stress-free throughout the day.
• Nutritional boost: Depending on the ingredients, scratch blocks can provide extra protein, minerals, or even energy that can help in the colder months.
• Minimal waste: The compressed block minimizes scattering that typically happens with loose scratch grains, which can attract unwanted pests.

Cons:

• Overeating risk: Chickens may love them a little too much, so you’ll want to watch for any overeating in the flock.
• Unhealthy additives: Some store-bought blocks may contain added sugars, artificial binders, or unnecessary fillers, making it more of a junk food than a nutritional option.
• Cost: Pre-made scratch blocks can get pricey compared to loose feed or DIY options.

Common Ingredients in a Scratch Block

Scratch blocks should contain a mix of high-quality grains and seeds, along with protein and binding agents to hold everything together. Knowing the ingredients will help you purchase a healthier option.

Common Ingredients to Look For:

• Cracked corn
• Wheat
• Barley
• Millet
• Black oil sunflower seeds
• Oats
• Soybean or mealworm powder (for protein)
• Molasses (for binding and sweetness)
• Grits or crushed oyster shells (for added calcium)

Ingredients to Avoid in Store-Bought Scratch Blocks:

• Added sugars (e.g., corn syrup, cane molasses)
• Artificial binders (e.g., carrageenan, guar gum)
• Unnecessary fillers (e.g., rice hulls, soybean hulls)

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How to Add a Scratch Block to Your Coop

Installing scratch block in your coop or run is simple, but where you put it can make a big difference.

1. Choose the right spot: Put the block in an area that has plenty of room for the entire flock to peck without getting in each other’s way. If you live in a wet area, inside the coop will be a better option than out in the run.
2. Add more than one: If you have a large flock hanging, more than one can keep competitive eating to a minimum.
3. Hang the block: Secure the block to a hanging wire or hook in your coop or run. This will keep it off the ground and make it harder for pests to access.
4. Use a feeder stand: Some chicken keepers prefer to use a stand or holder to keep the block up off the ground, which can be helpful in muddy areas.
5. Rotate locations: If you’re using one in an outdoor run, occasionally move the block’s placement. This encourages chickens to scratch in different areas, improving soil turnover and avoiding overly packed dirt.
6. Limit access: To prevent overeating, introduce scratch blocks as an occasional treat rather than leaving them available all the time.
7. Protect from rain: If you choose to hang the block in the run, make sure it is in a sheltered area to prevent it from getting wet and becoming soggy. Wet blocks can become moldy and harmful to your chickens’ health.

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What to Look for in a High-Quality Scratch Block

If you’re buying a scratch block, keep a few things in mind to ensure you’re picking the best one for your flock.

• Ingredient transparency: Look for brands that list ingredients clearly. Avoid blocks with long lists of additives, unrecognizable ingredients, or excessive sugar content.
• Nutritional value: Choose blocks with a variety of grains and seeds to provide a balanced treat. Bonus points for blocks that have added protein, like mealworms.
• Reputable brands: Go for well-known producers of chicken feed, as they are more likely to invest in quality control and safety.
• Size: Ensure the block matches the size of your flock. Large blocks may last longer, but smaller ones work well for limited space or fewer chickens.

DIY Recipe for a Homemade Scratch Block

Making your own scratch block can help you to be in complete control of the ingredients. It is also easy to make and budget-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cracked corn
• 2 cups wheat or oats
• 1 cup black oil sunflower seeds
• 1 cup barley or millet
• 1 cup mealworms (optional, for protein)
• 1/2 cup molasses (binder)
• 2 eggshells, crushed (for calcium)
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Mix all the dry ingredients (grains, seeds, mealworms, and eggshells) in a large bowl.
3. Gradually stir in molasses and water until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Add more water if needed.
4. Press the mixture firmly into a greased baking pan or mold of your choice. Ensure it’s tightly packed to prevent crumbling.
5. Bake in the oven for about 2 hours or until the block is solid and dry.
6. Allow the block to cool completely before removing it from the mold.

Tips for a Healthier Block:

• Substitute molasses with honey or reduce the amount to avoid excessive sugar.
• Add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme, which have natural immune-boosting properties.
• Include nutrient-rich extras like flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped dried fruit.

Scratch blocks can be a great addition to your chicken coop, especially when made with good quality ingredients. When giving in moderation, they’re a fun and engaging way for your chickens to keep active and work on their foraging skills.

Just remember, scratch blocks are more of a treat than a main course—they should never replace a balanced diet.

Overall, scratch blocks can be a valuable tool for keeping your flock entertained and preventing boredom, which can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviors. Happy chickens are healthy chickens—and healthy chickens lay the best eggs!

More Chicken Raising Tips:

• Best Chicken Watering Systems
• Self Sufficient Chicken Coop
• What to Feed Chickens