Confused.......how can you afford to feed your chickens

[Wifezilla]

I'd like to see a future with chickens on every street in America.

 

[happyhens44]

I dont think this will help but.....



One bag of mash cost $10.00

My mom meets me half way, because this is my hobby.

I get $20.00 every 2 weeks for a allowence.

I buy 2 bags a feed for (14 chickens and 4 ducks) every 2 weeks.

I give them whatevers in the fridge that my mom will let me.

My mom meets me half way, If I buy one bag of mash, She will buy one bag. If I buy 2 she will buy 2.

Thats how she helps me. And I hatched some chicks So my mom bought me a bag of starter, and in return I had to holl up 4 loads of wood.

( I figure It will get better in spring, Free ranging etc. ) And my big fat pekins are getting a new home this comming up Thuresday.


Anyone know how much 1 chicken should get a day in feed? I want to mak sure Im not over feeding or under.

 

[chickenpickens]

I'd like to see a future with chickens on every street in America.

x2

 

[dmiravalle]

Quote:
Wouldn't it be nice if in some of the poorer neighborhoods, not only did they start community gardens but community coops as well. Imagine being able to eat healthier and give inner city kids something to do....

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

I free range my chickens everyday and give them table scraps. We fill a white large yogurt cup every day and throw it into there run. I have an automatic feeder that holds, half a bag of food. They only eat about a bag a month ( 5 chickens, 1 hens 4 roo's) Having them free range helps. I have also heard of people that feed them in containers 2 times a day, thats got to save food!

 

[happyhens44]

Iheartchicks<3

:

I free range my chickens everyday and give them table scraps. We fill a white large yogurt cup every day and throw it into there run. I have an automatic feeder that holds, half a bag of food. They only eat about a bag a month ( 5 chickens, 1 hens 4 roo's) Having them free range helps. I have also heard of people that feed them in containers 2 times a day, thats got to save food!

Thats a lot of roo's for one hen.​

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

Quote:
Thats a lot of roo's for one hen.

I know, we just finally confirmed... that they were all roo's. We are looking for homes for them.. and more hens

 

[happyhens44]

Iheartchicks<3

:

Quote:
Thats a lot of roo's for one hen.

I know, we just finally confirmed... that they were all roo's. We are looking for homes for them.. and more hens

Good luck

 

[NYRIR]

Fred's Hens :

Most food additives are the result of food processors, not the farmer.

That said, farmers in the industrialized countries do indeed employ herbicides and pesticides and if you wish to avoid those, you've little choice but to grow your own, or buy from reputable farmers who do not use them. This is a dramatic and difficult life style choice. As a consumer, you will also pay more for exercising your choice.

Second, certain beef growers, especially those employing a more "feed lot" as opposed to a grass feed approach, do indeed use products that, while deemed "safe", are in the beef. Just the way it is for these feed lot operators trying to make a buck. Again, you can take the extra step, as a consumer, to buy your beef from a local rancher/raiser who grows out his beef on pure food stocks, but expect to pay more. It is your choice.

Lastly, milk. Dairyman indeed use stimulants and hormones which increase milk production. Again, such products are deemed "safe". To produce milk at $2.89 a gallon, such steps are necessary to compete at that price point. Again, as a consumer, you have the choice to purchase milk that is free of most/all such things. Expect to pay at least $1.00 a gallon more. Make sense?

The farmer can and will produce products for the consumer at whatever price point the market will bear and demand. If the consumer is willing to pay a 40% premium for food/dairy/beef/vegetables that is raised/grown in a different way, the farmer will be delighted to provide it.

This is a huge topic that proves difficult to discuss intelligently in a forum format such as this. It involves economics/politics/science/sociology etc.

Yes, I did know that most of it is added after the farmers part is over,but there is a farm nearby me that has dairy cows that NEVER leave the barn..

I have a hard time with that kind of farming..(I've even thought while driving by..what if someone accidentally opened the doors?

JK).I'm very old fashioned when it comes to a lot of things and I don't think it's healthy for animals to be kept like that,let alone if they are happy. And yes,paying more is an option and I understand that it's tough for farmers.I have always had a deep respect for them because I know they work their tails off from dawn to dusk and don't get paid what they should.(If they did...you'd NEVER see rusty old tractors and beaten down trucks

)It's just sad the way things have evolved and that if you want something better for your family,you have to pay prices that are for most,too high.
So,what I'm saying is I don't blame the farmers, I blame the system.I'm sure the majority of farmers,given the nature of what they do,would much rather use no pesticides,herbicides,stimulants,etc. if it were profitable even to a mild degree so as to allow them to provide for their own.*sigh*
So,until drastic things happen,I'm settling for raising my own poultry,and looking into buying pork and beef from a local.​

 

[LALASD4]

Crack it the old fashion way, with a stone.

Quote: