If you have a large flock, bulk chicken feed could be beneficial. Not only does it save money and time, but it reduces waste as well.
Commercial feed comes in three forms: mash, pellet and crumble. Feed pellets are more expensive than mash, but birds can metabolize a greater amount of it this way.
Contents
Save Money
Feed costs can become a burden on budgets, particularly for those raising large flocks of chickens. But there are ways to cut back without compromising the health of your flock while still affording them enough nutrition.
One of the best ways to save money on chicken feed is by growing your own grains and seeds. This can often be cheaper than purchasing commercial mixes, plus fresher feed retains more essential nutrients.
Bulk grains and seeds can be purchased in bulk from local stores or online at lower prices. Furthermore, if you know your local mills and contact them to order supplies in bulk, even more money can be saved.
Another way to reduce feed expenses is keeping a compost pile in your chicken pen. Not only does this eliminate waste, but it also teaches your hens how to recycle their own food.
Save Time
Buying chicken feed in bulk not only saves you time, but it’s an excellent way to reduce your environmental impact. Bulk purchases require less packaging which reduces waste and the carbon footprint.
Making homemade chicken feed can save you a considerable amount of money. Unlike commercial feeds, which often contain filler such as corn or soy, homemade food contains high levels of whole grains and other essential components for good chicken health.
Homemade feed is more nutritious and fresher than commercial foods, since it contains fewer contaminants and retains more essential nutrients your chickens require. Plus, depending on the ingredients used, it may even be cheaper depending on price point.
Reduce Waste
Bulk chicken feed purchases can help you cut back on waste by not having to worry about purchasing exactly the amount needed each time. This could save a substantial portion of your overall feed bill, allowing you to buy when necessary rather than waiting for a sale or deciding that more chickens are necessary in the future.
Bulk chicken feed can also be purchased at discounted prices. Many farm supply stores and grocery chains offer special discounts on feed during certain times of the year.
When manufacturing feed, proper processing, preventing contamination and accurate formulation can help minimize losses. For instance, incorrect processing may produce pellets that are too hard for birds to eat, leading to reductions or refusals in consumption.
Avoiding contamination by using quality ingredients and storing feed properly can help minimize feed losses. Furthermore, accurately measuring feed ingredients and calibrating scales on a regular basis are key components for successful operations.
Increase Productivity
Feed is often one of the most costly expenses in poultry operations, so purchasing bulk can significantly reduce your bill. When purchasing half a ton or more of feed, you typically save more than 10% off regular price.
Bulk buying can help you cut back on waste and reduce your environmental impact. Many retailers offer discounts for bulk orders, which could make a big difference in terms of budgeting.
Bulk chicken feed typically lasts three to six months, meaning you won’t need to purchase it as often. This saves money in the long run and helps prevent wasteful feed usage.
When buying feed in bulk, it’s wise to know how much protein your flock is getting each day. This number may vary depending on the type of ration you feed and how much scratch, pasture, mealworms and kitchen scraps they eat.
