Bulk Feed Questions MN/WI ?

[ewesfullchicks]

At the moment, I'm feeding 250 lbs of chicken feed per day to my flock(s), or 3-1/2 tons per month.

I worked out a deal with my local feed store that I purchase by the ton, and I get a $1 off per 50lb bag.

It's simply not worth putting the feed in large drums - too much hassle. I did put my sheep feed in new trash cans for a while, but as other posters have said, they're too deep, and don't work well.

It's important never to buy more than you can feed within 2 weeks. Feed loses nutrients, and of course, you don't want to supply an undisturbed feed source to rodents, etc.

If I were you, I'd just put your extra bags on pallets, in a dry area, or at least just use those smaller rubbermaid containers, that can easily hold 50lb bags of feed.

Best wishes,

Rachel

 

[tiki244]

I dont know about the plastic drums. I had mice, or something chew right through one.

Being new to this at the time I was shocked

Cheers

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I agree that having someone else load the feed bags for you is a good idea. I'm sure you can find a store or feed mill that will do that for you, if you ask.

When you get the feed home, are you carrying the bags from your van to the storage area? Instead, get yourself a hand truck or a well balanced garden cart. You should be able to slide a bag from the van to the hand truck or garden cart, without having to pick up it's full weight. You should be able to unload it into a storage area by sliding it, also. I can't pick up my sofa, but I can slide it.

My days of picking up a 50lb bag of feed are long gone, too.

 

[fasbendera]

I buy my meat bird food in bulk (bagged) and get over 500# at a time. I have changed the amount of birds I am raising and haven't quite gotten the bag to bird ratio down. I just stack the bags up inside the coop because we all know you won't get a mouse in the coop if your hens are on the ball. I have only found one behind some unused feeders now my hens have access to every nook and cranny to eliminate the possibility of any mice. Even if you got a neighbor to unload it. I find it cheaper. The more you grind the cheaper it gets. I would assume if you watch grain prices it would even be less. I live in Hastings and go the the Vermillion elevator but I would imagine there is an elevator closer to you. There is one in Ellsworth WI I have passes.

 

[RendonRoo]

great idea deacon. I'm sure the local boy scouts could earn a merit badge by helping with job like that. Everyone gets something and you get to teach young uns about chickens

 

[chicken_dude]

I keep my sacks of chicken feed in old chest freezers. This protects the feed from mice and rats. Rats can be terrible about killing baby chicks. So make certain there are no holes in your brooding area.