Is high quality feed worth the money?

[JacinLarkwell]

I get 1 bag of all flock, 1 bag of layer crumble and 1 bag of layer pellets per week, all 50lbs bags unless they're out. Some weeks all flock or the layer pellets is subbed for a different one of the three. Cost is $50 a week for all 3 bags

My birds do decent. My males don't have problems eating layer feed their whole life and I have a Cochin bantams who in her old age had become so picky she only eats layer pellets. She'd rather starve in negative degree weather than eat all flock, layer crumble or people food.

The broiler male and the turkey go apes*** for all flock and the quail are thebreason i get crumble instead of another pellet

 

[RojoMarz]

I only use Purina which now ships to your home and where I live it is the same price as Tractor Supply. Good feed is worth the money for healthy chickens and great eggs.

Do you buy from the purinamills site? I looked there, the flockraiser is $2 a bag more than out TSC. That would be okay, as TSC is 2 hours away...but shipping is $75 for two bags

 

[swimmy44]

I buy my feed in Petaluma from a grain company which has been operating for years. Petaluma CA is the original chicken capital of the country and the whole town is chicken themed. High quality feed at low prices supplemented by veggie compost from me and my neighbors - you can’t beat that.

 

[Silexian]

I agree that you are not charging enough for quality birds. Even at auction around here. Run of the mill (day old to a week or so old) silkie chicks bring $6 to $8 apiece. Silkie Roos average $10 apiece. Back in September 3 nice looking bearded silkie hens (being an auction no guarantee about true background and quality) brought $70 apiece! After two attempts and 5 years of time building up a flock of quality bearded silkies. Only to have a neighbors dog and a very determined mother raccoon totally eradicate every one that I had. I have given up on having silkies. I am still intrigued with them and always check out any that I come across.

 

[Tired old Rooster]

I'm at a cross road I'm either going to have to raise the pice on my bearded silkies or start buying cheaper food I sell them for $5 but i see plenty of people selling for $10 my silkies are good Quality. I feed all my chickens Kalmbach feed.

You sound like me. All shoulder to the grinding wheel of perfection and zero sales pitch. Up your price and practice your "used car salesman" persona in front of the mirror.

You may be shocked to receive accolades for your little darlings.

 

[SkiboJeff]

Hi. I am really glad of this discussion. I always used premium pelles but the birds weren't that excited. I started using budget laying pellets because they have grain protein instead of animal protein. I have been able to convince my malnourished vegan friends my eggs are ok. No animals harmed (except insects and worms) and the roosters I charge top dollar for so they are less likely to end up in the pot (not that there is anything wrong with that). So 'vegan eggs', organic, free range gives me offers of twice the normal price. I think a handful of wheat per chook makes a big difference to the laying. I am a bit of a convert to the budget pellets and my vegan friends have slightly more colour in their cheeks.

I feed Purina layer crumbles and provide on demand hard wheat, black sunflowers, oyster shell, and granite chips. My wife spoils them daily with scratch and Meal worms. My nine new hens are laying beautiful hard shelled eggs even though we are in MN in the middle of winter and it’s -15 today. Must be doing something right. Oh and obviously I don’t care about the cost.

 

[SkiboJeff]

You sound like me. All shoulder to the grinding wheel of perfection and zero sales pitch. Up your price and practice your "used car salesman" persona in front of the mirror.

You may be shocked to receive accolades for your little darlings.

And remember, no one listens to free advice. I’m sure you can charge what they’re worth.

 

[PNWSilkieChick]

I'm at a cross road I'm either going to have to raise the pice on my bearded silkies or start buying cheaper food I sell them for $5 but i see plenty of people selling for $10 my silkies are good Quality. I feed all my chickens Kalmbach feed.

Ask more for your silkie chicks, especially if you're the only one in your area selling them. I fell in love with the breed and was going to pay crazy prices for shipped chicks until I stumbled upon a local guy. I think he charged $7 for bearded/crested and honestly I would have been willing to pay much more because of the health and good breeding of his birds.

Perhaps also mix in a lower cost feed. I use Flockraiser as my base with lots of supplements and mix-ins. Variety is the spice of life!

 

[LRedHen]

Quality feed is more about ingredients than price. I save a lot of money by sprouting whole grains, growing fodder, and growing soldier fly and mealworms, as well as letting my birds free range. I buy commercial meat bird feed from Nutrena (22% protein, it's high but since they eat a lot of other stuff that number is mostly a target for my quail) and keep the feeders stocked and provide oyster shell free choice. I spend about $45 a month to feed 4 silkies, 8 standard hens, and about 50 quail. It takes more work, but I guess I pay with my time instead of money.

Can you please share about how to grow mealworms?

 

[Tired old Rooster]

And remember, no one listens to free advice. I’m sure you can charge what they’re worth.

Not understanding you. Sorry, second language might be the reason.