Scratch, Corn, Mealworms, and BSFL
By The Coop Team · Updated July 3, 2026
Quick answer
Scratch grain is a treat for chickens, typically containing 8-9% protein. Mealworms and BSFL provide additional protein, with BSFL being 3-5 times higher in calcium than mealworms, beneficial for laying hens. Limit these treats to under 10% of daily intake.
Key facts
- Protein content of scratch grain
- 8-9%
- Calcium advantage of BSFL
- 3-5 times higher
- Daily intake limit for treats
- 10%
Scratch Grain
Scratch grain is a mix of cracked corn, wheat, oats, milo, and sometimes sunflower seed. It is a treat, not a feed, typically 8-9% protein and low in the vitamins and minerals a layer needs. Use it as a training tool, a bedtime call-in, or a cold-weather energizing snack (corn digestion generates a little body heat), but keep it under 10% of daily intake.
Straight cracked corn follows the same rule. It is candy, not dinner.
Mealworms
Mealworms are a chicken favorite and useful during molt for the protein hit. Important: the FDA classifies imported mealworms as animal feed, and technically they are not approved to feed to laying hens whose eggs enter US commerce. This is because most dried mealworms sold in pet stores come from China with unknown feed inputs.
For a backyard flock, nobody enforces this, but the safer play is US-farmed mealworms.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL, sold as Grubblies, Chubby Grubs, etc.) or DIY BSFL from a compost bioreactor are alternatives. BSFL are naturally 3-5x higher in calcium than mealworms, which is a bonus for layers. Cap the daily total at a small handful per bird so protein stays balanced.
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