Anyone Else think feed is expensive? What do you do?

[citrusdreams]

It seems that you're paying double what I pay. I get mine from the Co-Op. Even so, I don't like to have anything more than about 20-23 chickens. I have a bit more now and will be downsizing soon. But scratch isn't that much less than layer mash.

What are you paying for your feed? I think I pay 7.50/50lbs for layer mash and a tad less for scratch, which I don't offer that much anyway.

I free range them from dawn till dusk and that helps A LOT. I kinda don't know how much they go through...but I know put out about 25lbs of layer mash in the feeder maybe once a week. More in the winter though. They also get chucked whatever doesn't make it to the table, vegetable skins, table scraps, etc.

 

[sonew123]

I go through 100lbs of layer feed every 2 weeks-45 chickens. 10.49$ per bag. I buy a 25lb bag of scratch 1 per month 7$. The eggs selling helps offset a little but not much-They free range all day too. I agree, you need to downsize a bit-youll see a big difference in your feed bill...

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

downsize
free range
supplement with vegies
buy feed in bulk

 

[blueseal]

in the winter from october thrue march it costs me 50 a month for feed and shaveings.

 

[Booswalia]

Put your egg prices up. People who want fresh eggs will understand that you can't sell eggs and lose money. You can tell them that the prices will go back down in the spring when they are laying more or if the price of feed drops. I've seen free range eggs here in Canada a $5 a dozen and lots of people pay it.