If you’re trying to reduce your feed expenses, buying chicken food in bulk could be the perfect solution. It’s an effortless and cost-effective solution for any backyard chicken homesteader.
A 50-pound bag of whole corn can be an economical source of nutrition for cows and chickens. Additionally, it’s packed with protein and energy.
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Feeding Your Chickens
Feeding chickens can be an expensive endeavor for small-scale farmers. However, there are ways to minimize feed expenses and ensure your birds remain healthy.
Primarily, you can save a considerable amount of money by producing your own chicken food – especially for smaller flocks.
When creating your own chicken feed, opt for a blend that provides your birds with all of the essential nutrients they require to stay happy and healthy. Make sure it includes protein, carbohydrate, fat and vitamins in sufficient amounts.
Depending on the age of your chickens, you can add extra calcium to their feed for stronger egg shells and yolks. Calcium supplements like oyster shell powder can be purchased from local livestock suppliers as well as online.
At 16 to 18 weeks of age, you can transition your chicks from starter feed to layer feed. At this stage, provide them with less protein and more calcium for optimal development.
Choosing the Right Feed
Selecting the correct feed for your chickens is an integral part of keeping them healthy. It should meet their dietary needs and supply them with energy and protein to grow.
Chickens need a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in order to grow and live a long and productive life. It is also essential that they receive clean water.
Starter Feed: Chicks require a high protein feed that provides them with energy for rapid growth. This type of feed usually contains 20-24% protein and should be given to chicks during their first six weeks before transitioning onto grower feed.
Grower Feed: Layer chickens require a higher protein feed to support their laying activity. This type of formula is also designed for older hens who may divert protein away from egg production in order to produce new feathers during molting season.
When shopping for feed, there are many types to choose from. When in doubt, read the label carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Cleaning the Feed
Maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of your chicken food is paramount to their wellbeing. Not only should you keep their feeders free from bugs and rodents, but make sure all containers are fully dry before refilling them with fresh feed.
Be sure to keep your bins out of direct sunlight or under an awning for most of the time. Temperature fluctuations inside a container can lead to moisture buildup, which not only causes bad smelling feed but may also result in mold growth.
In addition to the above, make sure you use the correct size bins for your chickens. A 20-pound bin should be large enough to house roughly 3-4 chickens; this helps save money and avoid wasteful feed by not needing to refill a large bin too frequently. Store these large containers inside a garage or shed where they will stay cool and out of the rain.
Keeping Your Chickens Healthy
Maintaining your chickens’ health is best achieved through a balanced diet. Chickens require various grains, seeds, worms and insects as well as plenty of space to roam and scratch.
One of the simplest ways to save money on chicken feed is buying in bulk. Doing so will allow you to stretch your purchase over several months, cutting down on feed expenses significantly.
When purchasing bulk feed for your chickens, opt for a trusted brand. This will guarantee the feed is of superior quality and contains all essential nutrients.
Another way to save money on feed is buying in bulk from your local grocery store. Many stores will discard produce past its sell-by date, but you can ask the manager if you can take it home for your chickens.
Alternatively, you can plant fruit trees and harvest any imperfect fruits like apples, peaches, mulberries or persimmons for your birds. Not only will this save money on feed but it will help tidy up your garden at the same time!
