Feed is the major expense when raising chickens. Commercial farms usually purchase large quantities at once and pay a low price per ton for their feed.
Small flock owners must buy feed by the ton, at a higher cost per ton than larger flock owners, but they also get more bang for their buck with these tips on saving on chicken feed. Here are some ways you can cut costs when purchasing poultry food.
Contents
Costs
Feed is an essential cost when raising poultry. In many cases, it accounts for 70 percent or more of the overall expense associated with raising domestic fowl.
Chickens require a balanced diet that provides all essential nutrients for growth and egg production. Commercial poultry feeds are specifically tailored with specific amounts of each nutrient for each age and breed of chicken you are raising, so you can rest assured knowing your flock is getting exactly what it needs.
Saving on chicken feed is easy when you purchase in bulk. That means buying a 50-pound bag instead of just 10 pounds.
Saving on feed bills and reducing waste are two benefits from bulk feed purchases. But be sure you have room for the amount of feed that you plan to purchase.
Another way to reduce the cost of feed for your flock is by growing extra grain, oats, barley or sunflowers. It takes some effort and persistence but can drastically reduce feed expenses.
Ingredients
Chickens’ diets are composed of a variety of potential feed ingredients that have been mixed together to meet their nutrient requirements. Common components include grains, oil seed meals and animal byproducts like fish meal or meat and bone meal.
Chicken feed by the ton is precisely measured and balanced to guarantee that birds get all of their essential nutrients. A variety of vitamins, minerals and amino acids are added as necessary to correct any imbalances in the feed mix.
Protein is an essential element in chickens’ diets, as it aids growth and egg production. Unfortunately, getting enough of this nutrient from grains alone can be challenging.
Other ingredients can be utilized to increase energy, provide vitamins, and boost calcium in the chicken’s diet. Examples include vegetable oils and animal fats which can be utilized as supplements to the grains consumed.
Storage
If you have a large flock, purchasing chicken feed by the ton is an economical way to save on grocery bills. However, remember that chicken food has a finite shelf life and should be transferred immediately into a pest-proof container for storage.
Ideal storage conditions should be cool and dry with excellent ventilation to prevent water absorption into the bags of feed or developing mold. Furthermore, avoid storing chicken feed on cold concrete floors as this absorbs moisture.
If you need to store large amounts of feed, a 55-gallon steel drum is an ideal option. Not only are these sturdy and durable, but they can accommodate various feeds – including chicken feed. Plus, these containers are inexpensive to purchase and easy to move around once full. Plastic barrels may also be cost effective options but may be vulnerable to damage from animals and not as resistant to moisture as metal containers are.
Feeding
Feeding your chickens can be expensive. But there are ways to cut costs while still providing your flock with all they need for optimal health.
Start by crafting your own feed from scratch. You can use a variety of ingredients to create an nutrient-rich mix that will benefit your chickens.
Ingredients such as whole grains, oilseed meal, grit and animal byproducts are carefully calculated for your chickens’ specific nutritional needs regardless of what stage of development they are at.
Another way to save money on chicken feed is composting your waste. Not only does this reduce costs, it helps build soil and till the ground. Plus, your chickens will love the aroma of freshly composted food!
