Feeding the Flock Frugally

[BYCforlife]

My chickens waste a ton of feed by flinging it onto the floor. I nearly eliminated this by raising the feeder to just enough for them to crane their necks around and eat. If the floor still gets too much feed on it, I take their feed away for a day. Surprise! They find the food on the floor and eat it ALL!

It does sound like you're going through too much, as I'm guessing a bag should last you about 20 days, not 14. Definitely check for rodent problems, and make sure there's not a bunch on the floor.

How big is your yard? Is it possible to build two runs and let them eat down one, and then switch to another?

You can also build a cheap grass saver, by making a 2x4 frame with chicken wire over the top. That way, they can't wreck the root of the grass, therefore letting it grow more for them to eat. Plus, the outcome of their dinner will fertilize the grass!

 

[Cindy in PA]

I normally keep 12 hens. I presently have 13 & 3 old guineas.. I have always gone through 100 in 4-5 weeks. I have no idea how much a turkey eats. The amount of feed you are going through is reasonable. Mine usually only get a cup of scratch every day besides their feed. Yours are eating about .25 per day. That is the going rate!

 

[Barry42001]

The key is no matter what you use to feed the chickens out of the chickens will find a way to throw it all over the floor once they start doing that and they will do it don't put as much feed in the feeder when they run out of the feed in the feeder they will eat the feed on the floor mine also free range but they preferred the feeder food easier to get I would think been chasing cockroaches all over yard

 

[Feathers4Fun2]

We are on a very tight budget. We have a mixed flock of 10 hens, 3 guineas, a turkey & a duck.

The hens range in age with the oldest being 3yrs and the youngest few just coming to maturity. The other birds are just reaching maturity.

We feed 16% layer, just the Tractor Supply brand. They are confined to their coop/pen most of the day, but we do let them out for a few hours after work & longer on the weekends to free range. They used to free range all the time, but we had a predator problem. Since being confined, our feed bill has skyrocketed (obviously). We are going through 50lbs about every 2 weeks. They are also fed a cup or so of scratch daily as well as whatever table scraps we give them when available.

Any ideas for easing feed cost? Unfortunately free ranging them more is not an option due to the predators.

The produce manager at your local grocery store may be a good person to befriend.
Grocery stores throw away a TON of produce for various reasons much of which is still fit for human consumption. Chickens will devour fresh produce. Caution is required as nightshade plants are deadly to chickens, such as tomatoes, eggplant, and rhubarb. Tractor supply is a good source for day old chicks - but feed not so much. I have had very good results with Ware Milling products.

 

[Perris]

deadly to chickens, such as tomatoes

tomatoes are not harmful to chickens, they are good for them (and mine devour them whenever they get the chance with gusto) - otherwise Feathers4Fun2 makes a good point

 

[Kusanar]

The produce manager at your local grocery store may be a good person to befriend.
Grocery stores throw away a TON of produce for various reasons much of which is still fit for human consumption. Chickens will devour fresh produce. Caution is required as nightshade plants are deadly to chickens, such as tomatoes, eggplant, and rhubarb. Tractor supply is a good source for day old chicks - but feed not so much. I have had very good results with Ware Milling products.

tomatoes are not harmful to chickens, they are good for them (and mine devour them whenever they get the chance with gusto) - otherwise Feathers4Fun2 makes a good point

I believe, that like people, chickens can't or at least shouldn't eat the actual plant that those grow on. The tomato PLANT is toxic to people but the fruit (obviously) is not. So, might want to watch out for tomatoes that still have part of the vine attached.

 

[Melky]

Since @teriz1091 asked about reducing feed costs... I ferment my layer feed .

I never use the last few cups so I have no idea how much I use , adding meat birds and ducks and I’m clueless;(

But I DO know , they spill and waste much less , they eat slower and eat everything even the powder at the bottom of the feed bag I used to throw out .


Soak 8 cups of feed in a bucket with water and a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar , the first batch might take 2-3 days to bubble and smell yeasty. Scoop out as needed but always leave a bit to ferment the next batch

So does it matter how much water and I’m assuming you are straining the feed back out after? Or not?

 

[snow5164]

I just add water til it’s easy to stir , I’m working with a bucket under a tap so I don’t measure ....

I don’t strain because they love to drink the liquid , I have a slotted spoon and a regular one depending if I want it soupy or dry .

It’s not an exact science , measuring is not required

 

[Melky]

I just add water til it’s easy to stir , I’m working with a bucket under a tap so I don’t measure ....

I don’t strain because they love to drink the liquid , I have a slotted spoon and a regular one depending if I want it soupy or dry .

It’s not an exact science , measuring is not required

Thanks for the reply. I’m looking at starting this myself. I’ve read you really don’t need the ACV just water. Another gentleman does 50/50 feed to water which gives about the right consistency so not soupy. Fermented for 3-4 days. So I’m fermenting now and will see how it goes. Hopefully my girls like it and will provide a more nutritious feed that will be more filling for them and reduce feed costs. I’ve been reading about fermented feed for awhile and just now decided to try it. My advice was to save last serving in batch to start next batch to hasten the fermenting process.

 

[snow5164]

Agreed @Melky with save some of in the bottom of bucket so next ferment doesn’t take so long .

I’m sure you know acv is a hot button topic , I use it because it keeps bugs away and gives the chickens ( just like people) a nice gut flora , believe it or not we each have to decide , I’ve done both but especially in fall and spring I’m adding acv and crushed garlic to my ff.

Soupy ? Dry? Again it’s your choice I’d rather have liquid on top that they like to drink then white mold which is ok for them to eat ...

Have fun