Better stock up on Feed

[ranchhand]

I'm low on feed, thanks for the head's up. I've been free ranging more even though I know I can lose some to the foxes, dogs, etc. And with 21 possible chicks incubating, I guess I'll get some starter as well.

The main thing to watch out for in stored feed is mold- it's toxic to our feathered pals, even in minute amounts!

Dawg, I want pics.

 

[ruby]

feed prices will always be linked to gas etc... I grew up on a farm. We had gas rationing, but being on the farm we had our own tank! Diesel too! But I also drove a VW Bug (no AC) and we survived. Feed will get 'hot', that's what the farmers called it. A bug infestation will turn your feed into dust. But the chickens will eat most bugs. I give my girls more time free ranging. making sure they don't waste food will save you more. I don't buy more than I can store safely, which is about 300 lbs, for about 30 birds. I buy from a independent feed dealer in a small town, which is no further than the 'big town' store (which is independent too). I've seen the Tractor Supply stores in other towns. In the past you could buy 25lbs, at my grocery store. It was handy on a Sunday...

ruby

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

So true, so sad, what is this world (gov't) coming to?

 

[YYZ]

I can't stock up to much...no matter where i store my feed the mice find it. I have what i use in trash barrels .
I hate the thought of everything going up. I walked out of the grocery store with 2 bags after spending 30 dollars.

 

[PepsNick]

I get mine at a very, very small feed store. Hope the price doesn't go up as high as TSC.

 

[ranchhand]

I store feed on the front porch

in 31 gallon galvanized metal trash cans. The tops are pretty tight. I tried the heavy duty plastic but the squirrels chewed right through them. Call me crazy, but a few bay leaves in the can help keep the bugs away, just like in flour.

ETA, each can holds 2 - 50 lb. bags.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

we havent seen an increase here yet, but can stockpile too since we store in a seperae building with a/c in it. All ay and feed stored in it in seperate trash cans.

Milk jumped 60 cents 1 week though.

 

[Fred's Hens]

If store eggs go up equally to higher feed costs, then we'll be OK. I am at the top of my egg prices for our customers. Store eggs are absolutely competition in this way. People note the price. If store eggs go up to $2.25, then I'll be able to increase our price to $3.00-$3.50.

In other words, if feed goes up and egg prices follow? OK. We'll all live with it. BUT, if egg prices do not rise, for some reason I couldn't fathom, then yes, we'll trim the flock, seriously. No way smaller farmers like us can absorb any more costs. FWIW.

 

[jdietz730]

i get my feed from a local mill its 9 dollars for a 50 pound bag of feed they make it them selves and it 4 bucks for a 50 lb bag of cracked corn i mix the 2 in the winter to help them stay warm

 

[daddysgirlz]

Don't most of you live out where you can grow some feed for your chickens??...I live in the city with a 20x20 yard and if I let them "free range"

they hardly use any feed and they are only out eating grass for 4 hrs a day! I think it takes me 6 months to go thru 50lbs. of layer feed with 4 chickens! I have hardly any loss in feed because they only have access to feed during the day, that way they only eat what I put out so I have control...nothing left for the mice to eat either. Just some thoughts..... wish I could buy 5 acres to be more self sufficient...