Chicken Feed Costs

[Mayokay]

Hi,
I got my very first flock last June and started them on layer feed at 16 weeks. I’ve got 3 RIRs and 2 Easter eggers. I’ve been having to get 50 lb bag of layer feed every 7 weeks.
Now, I started them free ranging almost 6 weeks ago at the same time I got a new bag of feed. I now have to get a new bag when it’s not even 6 weeks yet, so free ranging cost me more money. I’m not concerned about spending the money, just wanted to share my surprise. My chickens have around an acre to scratch around and since free ranging the egg quality has gone up considerably, darker yolks. They are definitely doing a lot more cardio and eating more, that’s probably why I’m spending more. I think my egg production is up to, but can’t say for certain since I didn’t track it. They scratch all day and come back to the coop for water and feed several times a day and lay an egg. Has anyone else noticed they spend more after free ranging? Maybe I should get breeds that are better at foraging next time.

 

[RojoMarz]

Seems logical to me...especially in my location. Free ranging my hens would give them lots of exercise, but very little reward (hardly any bugs or nice vegetation). They would spend their time walking and scratching.

 

[svh]

I free range my birds daily, and my feed costs go down dramatically when the bugs and buds start popping. I'd say they eat at least a third less when forage is available.

 

[Mayokay]

I think I know why it’s costing more. I did some research and chickens are at their top egg production around 30 weeks of age. So my chickens would have eaten more regardless of free ranging because they would naturally be producing more eggs anyways at least for the RIRs. Hopefully I’ll see a dent in savings when Spring is in full force.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

I would assume time of year has a lot to do with it. There really has not been much for the birds to eat the last few week. Heck, it was -14 below less than a month ago here. Now, things are starting to green up, I'm seeing more bugs on a daily basis. I free range my lock of 50 daily, from 4:30 am to 8:30pm. I know for the last few years, during the spring, summer, and early fall my feed consumption goes down. I do plant cover crops in my garden for the chickens in late fall through winter, but they still eat more during winter.

 

[PioneerChicks]

I free range my birds daily, and my feed costs go down dramatically when the bugs and buds start popping. I'd say they eat at least a third less when forage is available.

Same here.

 

[Bestie_Chicks]

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.

 

[CNJ]

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.

 

[Carson213]

if you only need a dozen eggs a week...feeding chickens, and the time it takes...you would be better off just buying eggs...and in my opinion...buy the cheapest eggs. the most expensive ones don’t compare to farm fresh no matter what they claim.

 

[Carson213]

if you only need a dozen eggs a week...feeding chickens, and the time it takes...you would be better off just buying eggs...and in my opinion...buy the cheapest eggs. the most expensive ones don’t compare to farm fresh no matter what they claim.

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