Local Co-op milled feed

[debid]

Mash can be fed wet or as is.

You can always ask the mill to grind the mix differently. Maybe they can mix it larger or crack the grains. Maybe add a little molasses to bind the ingredients.

Most mills will grind the feed the way you prefer it.

How many pounds do you order that they'll grind it the way you prefer? I guarantee they'd laugh me out of the store if I asked for special accommodations for my 50# per month.

 

[thatchickenlady]

I found a co-op about an hour from me that makes their own layer feed as well as selling the commercial feed. So I thought for the savings I would try a few bags. I had someone who was going that way pick me up 3 bags.

I was so disappointed when I opened my first bag. It was ground up so fine I felt I was feeding them powder. My mistake was not getting more information about it before I bought it. I was just so excited because I was saving at least $6.00 a bag over my local co-op layer feed price.

They are wasting so much of this. I won't make this mistake again.

Being that much cheaper per bag makes you wonder about the quality... My experience is quality control can be a lot better with some local mills than others so you need to get some feedback from others before buying if possible.

 

[homesteadapps]

How many pounds do you order that they'll grind it the way you prefer? I guarantee they'd laugh me out of the store if I asked for special accommodations for my 50# per month.

We feed mostly whole grains now with alfalfa as the protein concentrate; when needed we grind our own now, but when we have it ground there was a modest mixing fee plus the cost of the ingredients. I really doubt the mill would laugh since they have a charge for mixing. Never hurts to ask. You may want to buy a little more -- 100 to 150 depending on the charge of the mixing fee to reduce your costs, but they generally will do what you want.

Also, they may already have a cracked grain recipe for chickens they normally grind too.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

I really doubt the mill would laugh since they have a charge for mixing. Never hurts to ask. You may want to buy a little more -- 100 to 150 depending on the charge of the mixing fee to reduce your costs, but they generally will do what you want.

Also, they may already have a cracked grain recipe for chickens they normally grind too.

It depends on the mill's equipment. If they have a 2 ton mixer, it can not mix 100 lb accurately. Plus the mill might be too busy to mess with a 150 lb batch if they have large orders for other customers.

I work in the feed industry and most of my customers have a one ton minimum for custom orders. Anything less than that and they can not justify the mixing.

 

[Chris09]

We feed mostly whole grains now with alfalfa as the protein concentrate; when needed we grind our own now, but when we have it ground there was a modest mixing fee plus the cost of the ingredients. I really doubt the mill would laugh since they have a charge for mixing. Never hurts to ask. You may want to buy a little more -- 100 to 150 depending on the charge of the mixing fee to reduce your costs, but they generally will do what you want.

Also, they may already have a cracked grain recipe for chickens they normally grind too.

Most mills around here have a 500 lb min. and only charge about $5.00 mixing fee.

Chris