Massive incoming grain and food shortages

[The Truth Is Out There]

So we’re globally in a bad way in terms of grain and food supplies and it is only getting worse.
Been preparing for not being able to buy feed and thought some people may like to know what that looks like.
First I have set up several bsfl breeding tubs, as those are a great source of food.
Planting things like nasturtium, and cucumbers and other grazing foods for the summer, like love lies bleeding, and other major seed producers.
I’m planting millet, and will harvest that too use during the winter, as well as drying fruits and veggies to rehydrate, for them also. I’ve set up an area I can grow spinach and kale type plants all year round as well for calcium. I’m growing peanuts and black oil sunflowers for the cold months as well.
I’ve stocked up on oyster shell so that I have some calcium supplementation to offer as well. And have been stocking up on things like antibiotics/anti fungal/anti parasitic and first aid supplies for the livestock just in case. And am growing and harvesting medicinal herbs like oregano, yarrow, devils claw, calendula, marigold, etc.
Is there anyone else worrying/watching what is happening, and do you have any suggestions On keeping a healthy flock in times of crisis?

I love that you posted this! It’s nice to know I’m not the only one thinking this way.
Except you seem to be in a better position! I’ve been looking for a house since 2/2020! Everything is so over priced and run down for my price range.
I hope to find my small farm soon!

 

[Ascholten]

I was thinking of stocking up on like a year or so of food in advance when it goes on sale but i find that both the pellets and grain type, tend to grow or 'become alive' within a few months and long term storage would be a nightmare. I suppose I could nitrogen bath them or something but so much work for chicken pellets, hmm

aaron

 

[raingarden]

By the time things get so bad that you cannot buy chicken feed for months on end, you will have had to eat the chcickens to keep yourself going.

 

[SourRoses]

So, this really didn't seem to happen.
I'm still paying the same for feed as I was in March.

 

[Ascholten]

By the time things get so bad that you cannot buy chicken feed for months on end, you will have had to eat the chcickens to keep yourself going.

Its not so much that you can't buy it but at what price?
It used to cost 9 dollars a bag a year or so ago, now its over 12. so why not stock up when it's still cheap?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Stocking up on chicken feed isn't the correct path.
Chicken feed is made of grain. Whole grains can keep quite a long time in the correct environmental conditions. However, chicken feed isn't made of whole grain. It is ground and once the hull of grains and seeds is cracked, it deteriorates rapidly, not to mention the supplemental vitamins and amino added to the feed which also has a limited shelf life.
I would never give a feed that is more than 3 months old. The original nutrition, as listed on the guaranteed analysis tag, will no longer be in the feed. Diminished nutrition can lead to health problems, among them are poorer disease resistance. not to mention poor hatchability.

 

[linguini]

Stocking up on chicken feed isn't the correct path.
Chicken feed is made of grain. Whole grains can keep quite a long time in the correct environmental conditions. However, chicken feed isn't made of whole grain. It is ground and once the hull of grains and seeds is cracked, it deteriorates rapidly, not to mention the supplemental vitamins and amino added to the feed which also has a limited shelf life.
I would never give a feed that is more than 3 months old. The original nutrition, as listed on the guaranteed analysis tag, will no longer be in the feed. Diminished nutrition can lead to health problems, among them are poorer disease resistance. not to mention poor hatchability.

Not to mention that our chickens are spoiled - they only like fresh feed!!

 

[Ascholten]

Starvation is a powerful motivator.
Old feed.
They'll Eat it and they'll LIKE IT !!

 

[alaskanchickies]

We are very concerned because we live in Alaska where things tend to not get up here when they're any shortages. Also I don't have any space, or the climate to grow my feed. Suggestions?

 

[raingarden]

We are very concerned because we live in Alaska where things tend to not get up here when they're any shortages. Also I don't have any space, or the climate to grow my feed. Suggestions?

I feel your pain. Everything has to come over here by boat which makes feed expensive and subject to shortages. My suggestion.... don't worry about it and hope the pandemic supply chain problems is the worst it will be in our lifetime. After all, they're just chickens.