How to keep feed cost down?

[aaroncoolio]

Hey. I noticed that my flock is eating alot of food lately.. They aren't laying right now (most are around 4mo, others are raising some muscovy ducks). I noticed lately they have been going through 50lb of feed in around a week- a week in a half (i spend around 18$ per bag). They have a nice run but they pretty much ate everything in it so it's just the feed. I do have a plum tree and feed them everything that falls which can save a bit. I am also located in Sacramento if that matters (feed prices lol). Thanks.

 

[Toddrick]

You must have dozens of birds to eat that much. I don't know how to get a good deal on feed myself, but I do believe your birds will stop relying so heavily on feed if you have enough land to free range. (An automatic coop door makes it a lot easier).

 

[redsix]

Can you pick or cut them some tender grass blades, clover and dandelion leaves?

 

[aaroncoolio]

You must have dozens of birds to eat that much. I don't know how to get a good deal on feed myself, but I do believe your birds will stop relying so heavily on feed if you have enough land to free range. (An automatic coop door makes it a lot easier).

I do have too much right now.. I was told to buy a lot extra since many do die.. Didn't lose one, also I was raising Capons for meat and was told that surgery had a 50% mortality rate. Only one died that I performed this on... Im thinking about just selling my extra birds instead of burning through all this feed! They get half my backyard. They pretty much ate everything besides the trees haha, and there's a little bit of grass. But the other half I can't let them go there since that's where all the fruit/herbs are for the family.

 

[aaroncoolio]

Can you pick or cut them some tender grass blades, clover and dandelion leaves?

I can, however I feel like this isn't really sustainable, grass grows a bit slow haha. Im thinking about just mowing like 1/6 of my yard at a time so they can get grass clippings periodicly

 

[TalkALittle]

How many birds do you have and what ages? Are you sure your birds are the only ones you're feeding or do you have wild birds or rodents eating from your feeders and driving up your feed bill?

 

[redsix]

Don't you have any neighbors that would like to get rid of some grass? I sometimes cut grass for mine with a sickle. I guess you could use a weed eater though.

 

[aaroncoolio]

Don't you have any neighbors that would like to get rid of some grass?  I sometimes cut grass for mine with a sickle.  I guess you could use a weed eater though.

Unfortunately most of my neighbors grass is dead and painted green, grass painting is a booming business in this California drought! Haha.

 

[sideWing]

Unfortunately most of my neighbors grass is dead and painted green, grass painting is a booming business in this California drought! Haha.

Painted!?

Have you checked with any grocery stores for fruits and veggies they throw out? If you search for "growing fodder" on this forum there is a great thread about growing fodder. I think it's a cheaper way to cut some food costs.

Are some of them big enough to eat yet? Selling is also an option if you have too many.

 

[Torch404]

You could split your run and move them back and forth as the grass grows.