Are you thinking of keeping chickens? You might be wondering what the cost of feed will be. Feed costs vary based on factors like breed, size and lifespan.
One way to reduce chicken feed expenses is to raise them on pasture or free-range. This provides them with a natural diet that encourages them to self-regulate.
Cost of Feed
When it comes to feeding chickens, there are various options of feed available. Mash, crumbles and pellets are some of the more popular choices.
Scratch feeds come with a blend of three to five grains that have been finely ground and can be mixed with water to create a mash-like texture for chicks that eat it.
The cost of chicken feed varies based on several factors, including the type and brand of birds you use and what your local supplier charges you. Since feed can last up to four weeks, it’s essential that you purchase enough for your flock.
Save money by decreasing the number of chickens in your flock or free-ranging them. Not only will this cut back on feed costs, but it also keeps them healthier. In addition, use creative protein sources like mealworms, earthworms, fish guts and meat scraps to reduce how much chicken feed you need to purchase.
Cost of Bedding
Selecting quality bedding material is essential for keeping your coop clean. Not only will it reduce odors and pests, but it also promotes healthy chickens.
Chicken bedding materials like straw, wood shavings and hemp are affordable, compostable and easily found at most hardware or animal supply stores.
Straw is the most commonly used bedding material, however it can be expensive and attract pests. Furthermore, changing out your flock’s bedding regularly is necessary to safeguard them against diseases that could otherwise spread throughout your flock.
Pine shavings are another popular choice, however they dry quickly and may not be as durable as other options.
Sand is the ideal bedding for moisture control in poultry coops. Not only does it not absorb water as quickly as straw or wood shavings, but it also releases moisture quickly so your coop stays dry and sanitary.
Bedding can be costly, but if you take time to select the appropriate materials and keep your coop clean, you’ll save money in the long run.
Cost of Medications
If you are a chicken owner struggling with the cost of feed, there are several steps you can take. One way is reducing your flock size which may save on feed expenses significantly. Another alternative is using cheaper feed that’s already in stock at your local poultry store or feed mill.
Cost-related medications for chicken owners, particularly those without access to veterinary drug stores, can be a major obstacle. Farmers typically purchase and administer antimicrobials based on personal experience, peer-to-peer advice, or instructions from drug or feed sellers.
This study estimated the retail price paid by small-scale farmers for antimicrobial products containing antimicrobial active ingredients (AAIs) considered of “critical importance” by the World Health Organization to human medicine in a Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Farmers kept diaries throughout their flock production cycle to track expenses associated with antimicrobials.
