Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18%: The Complete Guide for Laying Hens
Introduction
When you raise laying hens, the feed you choose is the single most important factor affecting egg quality, shell strength, yolk color, and overall flock health. Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18% stands out for its ingredient transparency, nutritional density, and organic integrity.
Scratch & Peck is a Washington-based company founded by two brothers who wanted better feed for their own flocks. Their philosophy: use whole-food ingredients, avoid fillers and by-products, and let nutrition speak for itself. The result is a feed line with a cult following among backyard chicken keepers, homesteaders, and small-scale organic farmers.
This guide breaks down everything about Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18%—nutrition, ingredients, real-world performance, pricing, and feeding advice.
# Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18%: The Complete Guide for Laying Hens
## Introduction
When you raise laying hens, the feed you choose is the single most important factor affecting egg quality, shell strength, yolk color, and overall flock health. Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18% stands out for its ingredient transparency, nutritional density, and organic integrity.
Scratch & Peck is a Washington-based company founded by two brothers who wanted better feed for their own flocks. Their philosophy: use whole-food ingredients, avoid fillers and by-products, and let nutrition speak for itself. The result is a feed line with a cult following among backyard chicken keepers, homesteaders, and small-scale organic farmers.
This guide breaks down everything about Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18%—nutrition, ingredients, real-world performance, pricing, and feeding advice.
—
## What Is Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18%?
A complete, balanced diet for laying chickens and ducks from 20 weeks onward. It works as the sole nutrition source—no extra grains, protein, or vitamin mixes needed (though free-choice calcium and grit are still recommended).
Pellet form offers clear advantages over mash or crumble. Pellets are uniform, so every bite contains the full nutrient spectrum. This prevents “selective eating,” where hens pick favorite grains and leave the powdery, nutrient-dense portion behind.
What sets this product apart: it is USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, and completely free of soy and corn—two ingredients many keepers avoid due to allergens, GMOs, and commodity crop concerns.
—
## Nutritional Breakdown
| **Nutrient** | **Amount** | **Why It Matters** |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Crude Protein** | 18% (Min) | Feather regrowth during molt, muscle maintenance, egg production |
| **Crude Fat** | 3.5% (Min) | Energy and fat-soluble vitamin absorption |
| **Crude Fiber** | 5.5% (Max) | Digestion and gut health |
| **Calcium** | 3.8% (Min) | Strong eggshells and bone health |
| **Phosphorus** | 0.5% (Min) | Skeletal strength with calcium |
| **Lysine** | 0.8% (Min) | Protein synthesis and egg production |
| **Methionine** | 0.3% (Min) | Feather health and metabolism |
| **Salt** | 0.25% (Min) | Electrolyte balance |
### Why 18% Protein Matters
Most commercial layer feeds sit at 16–17% protein. Scratch & Peck’s 18% provides a meaningful boost, especially during:
– **Molting season** — Feathers are ~85% protein. Hens need extra protein to regrow plumage and return to laying.
– **Winter** — Cold increases metabolic demands; higher protein maintains body condition.
– **Stress** — Moving, predators, or routine changes suppress laying. Extra protein supports recovery.
For hens in peak production, 18% protein also maintains consistent egg size and frequency.
—
## Ingredient List
**Organic Wheat, Organic Peas, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Organic Rice Protein, Fish Meal, Organic Kelp Meal, Limestone, Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Organic Vegetable Oil.**
### Key Ingredients
– **Organic Wheat** — Easily digestible energy source.
– **Organic Peas** — Plant-based protein and amino acids, replacing soy.
– **Organic Flaxseed Meal** — Omega-3 fatty acids for yolk quality and hen health.
– **Fish Meal** — Highly digestible protein delivering methionine and lysine.
– **Organic Kelp Meal** — Trace minerals and thyroid support.
– **Limestone** — Natural calcium for strong eggshells.
– **Organic Rice Protein** — Complementary amino acids.
### What’s NOT Inside
– ❌ No soy
– ❌ No corn
– ❌ No GMOs
– ❌ No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
– ❌ No animal by-products (other than fish meal)
– ❌ No artificial colors or preservatives
—
## Benefits
### 1. Strong Eggshells
3.8% calcium plus phosphorus builds thick, crack-resistant shells. Users report improvements within weeks.
### 2. Vibrant Yolks
Flaxseed and kelp meal add omega-3s and trace minerals that deepen yolk color and boost nutrition.
### 3. Less Waste
Pellets mean less sorting, dust, and waste—critical for small flocks.
### 4. Mixed Flocks
Meets needs of both chickens and ducks. One product for your whole flock.
### 5. Cleaner Coop
Pellets scatter less, so less feed ends up on the floor attracting rodents.
—
## Real User Experiences
> **”I have 9 layer hens and they thrive on the 18% S&P. Shells are thick, feathers are gorgeous, ladies seem to enjoy their food.”**
> **”This is a very high quality feed and well worth the money since very little is wasted.”**
> **”My girls have never looked better. The yolk color is incredible compared to when I fed conventional feed.”**
Not everyone agrees on price:
> **”Organic feeds tend to have close to the bare minimum of protein, lysine and methionine. Scratch & Peck is good, but you’re paying a premium.”**
**Consensus:** If you prioritize ingredient quality and organic certification, Scratch & Peck delivers. If you want the cheapest option, budget-friendly feeds exist.
—
## Pricing and Where to Buy
| **Size** | **Online Price** | **Local Feed Store Price** |
| :— | :— | :— |
| 25 lb bag | $39.99 – $44.99 | $28 – $35 |
| 35 lb bag | $51.99 – $58.99 | $32 – $42 |
**Money-Saving Tip:** Local feed stores are almost always cheaper. Call farm supply stores, co-ops, and independent shops. Many will special-order if they don’t stock it.
**Availability:** Primarily Pacific Northwest and West Coast, but Chewy, Amazon, and specialty poultry sites ship nationwide.
—
## Feeding Guidelines
### Transitioning
Switch gradually over 7–10 days. Mix increasing amounts of Scratch & Peck with decreasing amounts of old feed. Prevents digestive upset.
### Daily Feeding
– **Layers (20+ weeks):** Free-choice or 1/4 to 1/3 pound per hen per day, depending on size, age, and production.
– **Ducks:** Free-choice; ducks eat slightly more than chickens.
### Separate Supplements
– **Oyster Shell:** Always free-choice, even though feed has calcium. High-producers need extra.
– **Grit:** Free-choice layer grit aids digestion.
– **Fresh Water:** Available at all times.
### Storage
Cool, dry place in an airtight container. Shelf life ~6 months. Avoid open bags or humid areas—moisture causes mold.
—
## Who Should Buy This Feed?
✅ Organic farmers seeking certified feed
✅ Backyard keepers wanting clean ingredients
✅ Flocks with soy or corn sensitivities
✅ Hens during molt needing extra protein
✅ Mixed flocks of chickens and ducks
✅ Anyone tired of feed waste
May not fit:
❌ Budget-focused keepers
❌ Large-scale commercial operations
❌ Regions with limited distribution
—
## FAQ
**Q: Can I feed this to chicks?**
No. Formulated for layers 20 weeks and older. Chicks need starter feed.
**Q: Is it safe for roosters?**
Yes, though higher calcium isn’t necessary. Monitor for rare kidney issues in mixed flocks.
**Q: How long does a 35 lb bag last?**
For 5 hens eating ~1/3 lb daily, about 3 weeks.
**Q: Does it need refrigeration?**
No, but keep cool and dry. Heat degrades vitamins.
**Q: Can I mix with scratch grains?**
Yes, but scratch dilutes nutrition. Limit to 10% of daily intake.
—
## Final Verdict
**Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18%** is a premium organic feed delivering clean ingredients, higher protein for demanding periods, and pellet form that reduces waste. USDA Organic, Non-GMO, soy-free, corn-free—one of the cleanest layer feeds available.
Yes, it costs more. But for keepers valuing ingredient transparency, animal welfare, and sustainability, the investment is justified. Healthy hens produce better eggs, and better eggs start with better feed.
**Bottom line:** If you’re serious about organic poultry keeping, Scratch & Peck is worth every penny. 🥚🐔
—
*Disclaimer: Availability, pricing, and formulations may change. Check the bag label for current guaranteed analysis and consult your veterinarian for flock health concerns.*
## What Is Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18%?
A complete, balanced diet for laying chickens and ducks from 20 weeks onward. It works as the sole nutrition source—no extra grains, protein, or vitamin mixes needed (though free-choice calcium and grit are still recommended).
Pellet form offers clear advantages over mash or crumble. Pellets are uniform, so every bite contains the full nutrient spectrum. This prevents “selective eating,” where hens pick favorite grains and leave the powdery, nutrient-dense portion behind.
What sets this product apart: it is USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, and completely free of soy and corn—two ingredients many keepers avoid due to allergens, GMOs, and commodity crop concerns.
—
## Nutritional Breakdown
| **Nutrient** | **Amount** | **Why It Matters** |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Crude Protein** | 18% (Min) | Feather regrowth during molt, muscle maintenance, egg production |
| **Crude Fat** | 3.5% (Min) | Energy and fat-soluble vitamin absorption |
| **Crude Fiber** | 5.5% (Max) | Digestion and gut health |
| **Calcium** | 3.8% (Min) | Strong eggshells and bone health |
| **Phosphorus** | 0.5% (Min) | Skeletal strength with calcium |
| **Lysine** | 0.8% (Min) | Protein synthesis and egg production |
| **Methionine** | 0.3% (Min) | Feather health and metabolism |
| **Salt** | 0.25% (Min) | Electrolyte balance |
### Why 18% Protein Matters
Most commercial layer feeds sit at 16–17% protein. Scratch & Peck’s 18% provides a meaningful boost, especially during:
– **Molting season** — Feathers are ~85% protein. Hens need extra protein to regrow plumage and return to laying.
– **Winter** — Cold increases metabolic demands; higher protein maintains body condition.
– **Stress** — Moving, predators, or routine changes suppress laying. Extra protein supports recovery.
For hens in peak production, 18% protein also maintains consistent egg size and frequency.
—
## Ingredient List
**Organic Wheat, Organic Peas, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Organic Rice Protein, Fish Meal, Organic Kelp Meal, Limestone, Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Organic Vegetable Oil.**
### Key Ingredients
– **Organic Wheat** — Easily digestible energy source.
– **Organic Peas** — Plant-based protein and amino acids, replacing soy.
– **Organic Flaxseed Meal** — Omega-3 fatty acids for yolk quality and hen health.
– **Fish Meal** — Highly digestible protein delivering methionine and lysine.
– **Organic Kelp Meal** — Trace minerals and thyroid support.
– **Limestone** — Natural calcium for strong eggshells.
– **Organic Rice Protein** — Complementary amino acids.
### What’s NOT Inside
– ❌ No soy
– ❌ No corn
– ❌ No GMOs
– ❌ No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
– ❌ No animal by-products (other than fish meal)
– ❌ No artificial colors or preservatives
—
## Benefits
### 1. Strong Eggshells
3.8% calcium plus phosphorus builds thick, crack-resistant shells. Users report improvements within weeks.
### 2. Vibrant Yolks
Flaxseed and kelp meal add omega-3s and trace minerals that deepen yolk color and boost nutrition.
### 3. Less Waste
Pellets mean less sorting, dust, and waste—critical for small flocks.
### 4. Mixed Flocks
Meets needs of both chickens and ducks. One product for your whole flock.
### 5. Cleaner Coop
Pellets scatter less, so less feed ends up on the floor attracting rodents.
—
## Real User Experiences
> **”I have 9 layer hens and they thrive on the 18% S&P. Shells are thick, feathers are gorgeous, ladies seem to enjoy their food.”**
> **”This is a very high quality feed and well worth the money since very little is wasted.”**
> **”My girls have never looked better. The yolk color is incredible compared to when I fed conventional feed.”**
Not everyone agrees on price:
> **”Organic feeds tend to have close to the bare minimum of protein, lysine and methionine. Scratch & Peck is good, but you’re paying a premium.”**
**Consensus:** If you prioritize ingredient quality and organic certification, Scratch & Peck delivers. If you want the cheapest option, budget-friendly feeds exist.
—
## Pricing and Where to Buy
| **Size** | **Online Price** | **Local Feed Store Price** |
| :— | :— | :— |
| 25 lb bag | $39.99 – $44.99 | $28 – $35 |
| 35 lb bag | $51.99 – $58.99 | $32 – $42 |
**Money-Saving Tip:** Local feed stores are almost always cheaper. Call farm supply stores, co-ops, and independent shops. Many will special-order if they don’t stock it.
**Availability:** Primarily Pacific Northwest and West Coast, but Chewy, Amazon, and specialty poultry sites ship nationwide.
—
## Feeding Guidelines
### Transitioning
Switch gradually over 7–10 days. Mix increasing amounts of Scratch & Peck with decreasing amounts of old feed. Prevents digestive upset.
### Daily Feeding
– **Layers (20+ weeks):** Free-choice or 1/4 to 1/3 pound per hen per day, depending on size, age, and production.
– **Ducks:** Free-choice; ducks eat slightly more than chickens.
### Separate Supplements
– **Oyster Shell:** Always free-choice, even though feed has calcium. High-producers need extra.
– **Grit:** Free-choice layer grit aids digestion.
– **Fresh Water:** Available at all times.
### Storage
Cool, dry place in an airtight container. Shelf life ~6 months. Avoid open bags or humid areas—moisture causes mold.
—
## Who Should Buy This Feed?
✅ Organic farmers seeking certified feed
✅ Backyard keepers wanting clean ingredients
✅ Flocks with soy or corn sensitivities
✅ Hens during molt needing extra protein
✅ Mixed flocks of chickens and ducks
✅ Anyone tired of feed waste
May not fit:
❌ Budget-focused keepers
❌ Large-scale commercial operations
❌ Regions with limited distribution
## FAQ
**Q: Can I feed this to chicks?**
No. Formulated for layers 20 weeks and older. Chicks need starter feed.
**Q: Is it safe for roosters?**
Yes, though higher calcium isn’t necessary. Monitor for rare kidney issues in mixed flocks.
**Q: How long does a 35 lb bag last?**
For 5 hens eating ~1/3 lb daily, about 3 weeks.
**Q: Does it need refrigeration?**
No, but keep cool and dry. Heat degrades vitamins.
**Q: Can I mix with scratch grains?**
Yes, but scratch dilutes nutrition. Limit to 10% of daily intake.
Final Verdict
**Scratch & Peck Organic Layer Pellets 18%** is a premium organic feed delivering clean ingredients, higher protein for demanding periods, and pellet form that reduces waste. USDA Organic, Non-GMO, soy-free, corn-free—one of the cleanest layer feeds available.
Yes, it costs more. But for keepers valuing ingredient transparency, animal welfare, and sustainability, the investment is justified. Healthy hens produce better eggs, and better eggs start with better feed.
**Bottom line:** If you’re serious about organic poultry keeping, Scratch & Peck is worth every penny. 🥚🐔
*Disclaimer: Availability, pricing, and formulations may change. Check the bag label for current guaranteed analysis and consult your veterinarian for flock health concerns.*
