Feed advice

[BJnJenny]

I am trying to figure costs out on feeding the chickens per a month so I can know the amount we are able to afford to feed. Unfortunatley I am having great difficulty finding any feed prices online (except for TSC) and I assume they are only show the premium feeds instead of the lower priced ones. If I were to raise say 10-15 layers and about 5-8 meat chickens what type of feed do I need and how much do I feed them each day? I plan to keep the layers in a seperate coop than the others and none will be free range do to the predators in area. Any help would be appreciated! thanks!

 

[aoxa]

I am trying to figure costs out on feeding the chickens per a month so I can know the amount we are able to afford to feed. Unfortunatley I am having great difficulty finding any feed prices online (except for TSC) and I assume they are only show the premium feeds instead of the lower priced ones. If I were to raise say 10-15 layers and about 5-8 meat chickens what type of feed do I need and how much do I feed them each day? I plan to keep the layers in a seperate coop than the others and none will be free range do to the predators in area. Any help would be appreciated! thanks!

Feed them all free choice. For 10-15 layers you would go through a 50 pound bag every 2 1/2 weeks or so. You may be able to get by on 3 weeks per bag. That would be for 15 rather than 10. I went through 1 bag every 2 weeks for 20 birds through winter last year. Now I have too many birds to count (I'll attempt when I stop hatching), but I go through 6 bags every 2 weeks

 

[aoxa]

Also feed is usually around $15 give or take a couple dollars depending on location. So $30 a month for 400 + eggs a month. Sell those eggs for $4 a dozen - lets just say you have 32 dozen a month = $98 after expenses. This is assuming each laying bird lays 25 eggs a month (if you have Red Sex Links - they rarely take a day off in my experience).

 

[Fred's Hens]

I congratulate you on your studied approach. TSC prices are the real prices. They don't have anything cheaper than what you see. Feed costs have skyrocketed and the only real way to lower your feed costs on purchased feeds is to locate a local, old fashioned feed mill. These are not very common in a non-agricultural area.

I'm feeding approximately the same number of birds you are thinking about, as we are wintering over 20 adults birds, all layers, except for the rooster. I pay $20 for 100 pounds of layer mash from a local mill. TSC prices are almost double that, just saying. During the late fall through early spring months, the 20 birds will consume that 100# in just short of a month. That is real information for you and should prove helpful, I trust.

The variables then come into play. Chicks eat less when they are small. Broilers consumer a lot of feed, but live only 9-10 weeks before being processed. How much you can pasture them in good weather months needs to be computed, as ranging on grass, eating bugs, etc can reduce feed bills considerably.

My advice might be this. Find a local feed mill. That should be your very first step in preparing your budget. Otherwise, your budget allowances will very, very different.

 

[wekiva bird]

I am trying to figure costs out on feeding the chickens per a month so I can know the amount we are able to afford to feed. Unfortunatley I am having great difficulty finding any feed prices online (except for TSC) and I assume they are only show the premium feeds instead of the lower priced ones. If I were to raise say 10-15 layers and about 5-8 meat chickens what type of feed do I need and how much do I feed them each day? I plan to keep the layers in a seperate coop than the others and none will be free range do to the predators in area. Any help would be appreciated! thanks

There is a mill in Fla. can't think of the name yet i try to find it.

 

[aoxa]

I congratulate you on your studied approach.  TSC prices are the real prices.  They don't have anything cheaper than what you see.  Feed costs have skyrocketed and the only real way to lower your feed costs on purchased feeds is to locate a local, old fashioned feed mill.  These are not very common in a non-agricultural area.

I'm feeding approximately the same number of birds you are thinking about, as we are wintering over 20 adults birds, all layers, except for the rooster.  I pay $20 for 100 pounds of layer mash from a local mill. TSC prices are almost double that, just saying. During the late fall through early spring months, the 20 birds will consume that 100# in just short of a month.  That is real information for you and should prove helpful, I trust.

The variables then come into play.  Chicks eat less when they are small.  Broilers consumer a lot of feed, but live only 9-10 weeks before being processed.  How much you can pasture them in good weather months needs to be computed, as ranging on grass, eating bugs, etc can reduce feed bills considerably.

My advice might be this.  Find a local feed mill.  That should be your very first step in preparing your budget. Otherwise, your budget allowances will very, very different.

If only I could buy like you Fred!

 

[Fred's Hens]

If only I could buy like you Fred!

If only I could sell eggs for $4 like you aoxa!!! LOL

 

[wekiva bird]

If only I could sell eggs for $4 like you aoxa!!! LOL

I get $3 for mine it would be nice to get 4

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Quote:
One of the local farmers markets here in NW Oregon has people selling a dozen farm fresh eggs for up to $8/dozen. They are in crazy demand since Portland has so many "hippie" types that want cage free organic eggs. They are like gold here.

 

[wekiva bird]

There is a mill in Fla. can't think of the name yet i try to find it.

I found the name it is HILLANDALE FARMS, INC in Lake Butler, Fla.