Chicken Feed Costs

[Carson213]

you’re not going to save money or time growing your own vegetables or your own eggs...but you get what you put into it

BUT...if you order a sh*t ton of meat birds like i did...definitely saves you money

 

[Carson213]

BUT...if you order a sh*t ton of meat birds like i did...definitely saves you money

waiting on 90 Bresse chicks

 

[iwltfum]

Sounds like your chickens are not getting much good quality forage to me and they are spending their ranging time expending energy rather than consuming it. In my location, my free range birds are in the same boat at the moment since no vegetation has started growing yet.

My birds eat about .25-.3 pounds per day through the winter, but when the grass starts coming up (and the broad leaf plants follow soon after) it goes down to about 80% of that - .2-.25 and remains that way through the growing season. In the fall, the numbers drop even further slightly and then, they day of the first hard freeze that kills everything back, I bump them backup to .25-.3 pounds per day.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

you’re not going to save money or time growing your own vegetables or your own eggs...but you get what you put into it

In my opinion, if you are not saving or making money on eggs, fruits, and vegetables you are doing something wrong and/or highly inefficient. My flock of 50 chickens pay for themselves throughout the year, and even make me money on a yearly basis. Same with my garden, it makes me money.

 

[ReelFaster]

There are many folks who are not into it for saving money and or time. Tending a garden or maintaining a small flock is therapeutic to some and there is nothing fresher than your own grown veggies or freshly laid eggs, period! I agree in that if it's a hassle to you than think about buying eggs and veggies at the produce store.

 

[spartacus_63]

I track my intake and out put and in a typical year my chickens provide income. I do not count my time or I would never "make" any money, but I enjoy the chores so it is a win win situation.

 

[Mayokay]

This is completely unrelated but do you have any more pictures of your grey EE in the back of the picture. I think my EE is her twin omg! this is my girl Fefe.View attachment 2575834

Here’s a picture of mine. Looks pretty close. This one is actually my favorite because it’s the quietest. The grey tail feathers are quite beautiful. There’s a sheen to it and can be seen especially in the sun.

 

[ReelFaster]

Here’s a picture of mine. Looks pretty close. This one is actually my favorite because it’s the quietest. The grey tail feathers are quite beautiful. There’s a sheen to it and can be seen especially in the sun.

Beautiful!

 

[Mayokay]

Sounds like your chickens are not getting much good quality forage to me and they are spending their ranging time expending energy rather than consuming it. In my location, my free range birds are in the same boat at the moment since no vegetation has started growing yet.

My birds eat about .25-.3 pounds per day through the winter, but when the grass starts coming up (and the broad leaf plants follow soon after) it goes down to about 80% of that - .2-.25 and remains that way through the growing season. In the fall, the numbers drop even further slightly and then, they day of the first hard freeze that kills everything back, I bump them backup to .25-.3 pounds per day.

Oh, this is good information. I estimate they were each eating .2 lbs of feed before free ranging and gradually increased their consumption each day because now they are laying in full force.
My yard is pretty green right now. The chickens have been scratching mostly in the dried leaves which I think that means they are looking for bugs. So maybe, my yard lacks bugs.

 

[Mayokay]

Do birds eat your chicken feed when the chickens are free ranging? I had to buy an automatic metal 11 lb. chicken feeder to prevent birds from eating the chicken feed. It opens when they step on a peddle and closes when they get off.

You’re right! Yesterday, I saw a scrub jay enter my coop while another one was a look out. I don’t think they’ll make a big dent in my feed cost, but I’m going to get a step feeder anyways because I don’t like them eating my stuff.