Does anyone buy feed in 1 ton bulk? How do you store it?

[CrzyChxnLady]

I can get a 1 ton tote of feed from Tractor Supply delivered FOR FREE with a subscription. I can save 50% on my feed costs (I have a large flock.) The feed is from Kreamer, PA.

There are startup costs. I am purchasing a silo for the feed which will prolong my feed. I can go through a ton in about 4-5 months. I am also purchasing a portable grain mover for about $300. These are one time start up costs which will more than negate my first tote, but after about tote 3 in a year, I will be even.

The biggest cost is the silo (about $1000), then the portable grain mover ($300.). How do others handle 1 ton of feed?

 

[Folly's place]

Our flock isn't big enough! We plan to use feed within 60 to 90 days after it's mill date, definitely not any older, so storing feed longer isn't
part of our plan, and wouldn't be done here unless we could use it up withing two months most of the time.
Could you split that feed with other flock owners nearby? Get the good price and use it in a more reasonable time frame.
Mary

 

[Perris]

I can go through a ton in about 4-5 months

not quick enough to get the nutrients you think you will be getting. And what will you do about pest infestations in that silo?

 

[CrzyChxnLady]

Well the silo is sealed so presumably should be no pest infestation.

 

[Perris]

Well the silo is sealed so presumably should be no pest infestation.

they usually come in on the grain
see e.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheat_weevil