Expensive feed needed if free ranged?

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

If you free range and buy organic feed, don't you need to get your lawn "certified organic"?

 

[Folly's place]

I buy Flock Raiser, and have oyster shell on the side, and free range my birds daily except if predators are a problem, or in the snow. My birds range over about seven acres of my property, and eat a lot less feed when there's good stuff available out there. BUT, I don't try to buy the cheapest feed, and it's available all the time for them. Chicken feed IS cheap!
Mary

 

[SurferchickinSB]

I buy Flock raiser, and have oyster shell on the side, and free range my birds daily except if predators are a problem, or in the snow. My birds range over about seven acres of my property, and eat a lot less feed when there's good stuff available out there. BUT, I don't try to buy the cheapest feed, and it's available all the time for them. Chicken feed IS cheap!
Mary

I agree! Even my GMO free organic feed is only $32 for 50 pounds! I look at it as though it cost me next to nothing to feed them. These are the cheapest pets I’ve ever owned!

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I buy cracked corn ($50 lbs for $9 and it lasts 2 months), mealworms and they get other things like bread and fruit as treats. Other then pecking at the grain my horse drops they free range and wormer pellets when needed they are fine. My yolks are a burnt orange color and they are never hungry. The most expensive thing I buy is the mealworms. I do believe it does save money to free range (so long as your birds live) because they find what they need, or you when they need it lol. My chickens will come to the front door and look through the glass screen door when they want a snack. Chickens are by far my cheapest pet

 

[TheRusticRebel]

What's top shelf for you? Do you mean organic?

Yes, my chickens free range too. While I don't buy expensive food, I do make sure its good quality and reasonably fresh. I will buy the Purina Layer for $14.99, or Nutrena Layer for $14.50, depending on which is on sale. I go easy on the scratch so can't remember how much it was, but thinking it was like $10.

I have 2 feeders, one with above mentioned layer pellets, and the other one is full of grower, flock raiser, meatbird, or whatever else catches my eye that day, with calcium on the side of course. Those pellets are usually around $15 as well. I don't think I even go through a bag a month with 10 adults, and 9 pullets. The foraging is good here as it never gets cold, so there are bugs / grass all year.

I was thinking this too. A 50 lb bag of layer crumbles is not expensive. We pay about $13 at the local feed store.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

If you free range and buy organic feed, don't you need to get your lawn "certified organic"?

X2

 

[Folly's place]

So true! 'Organic' is a tough project, and includes EVERYTHING those birds eat, and how their entire environment is managed, including a few years before they graze on it. I don't eat only organically produced food myself, and so don't feel the need to buy organic chicken feed. It's a personal choice, based in part on cost.
Mary