Paper feed bags or bulk feed?

[julschix]

Hello. I would like to avoid buying my poultry feed in plastic bags. Anyone know a good way to source feed in paper bags or in bulk? I am aware of the practice of reusing old plastic feedbags as re-purposed material, but I'd like to avoid the use of the plastic in the first place if possible. Any ideas or information is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[PirateGirl]

hmm... I feel like the last time I got Ranchway feed it was in a paper bag (I may be wrong on this one, it's been awhile). Also when I purchased feed from Serenity Sprouts it was either in a paper bag or you could bring your own bucket and they'd fill it. The Scratch and Peck feed comes in paper bags too. I'd visit all the feed stores in your area and just see what brands they carry because there are a few that come packaged in paper.

 

[mymilliefleur]

I buy Feed from Tucker Milling, and it comes in a paper bag. I understand though, that Tucker milling feeds are mainly available in the southern US. I used to buy a feed that was milled at our local feed store, and you could request to have it bagged in either plastic or paper, though the later cost more. Have you asked at any of your local feed stores if they sell any brands that are bagged in paper? Also, if any of them mill their own feed (vs just being a distributor and buying it from another mill) you could ask if you could bring your own containers/bags for them to fill.

 

[julschix]

hmm... I feel like the last time I got Ranchway feed it was in a paper bag (I may be wrong on this one, it's been awhile). Also when I purchased feed from Serenity Sprouts it was either in a paper bag or you could bring your own bucket and they'd fill it. The Scratch and Peck feed comes in paper bags too. I'd visit all the feed stores in your area and just see what brands they carry because there are a few that come packaged in paper.

Thank you for the suggestion of Scratch and Peck. I'm in Oregon and this is a Washington product, so I'm hopeful I get find someone here that can bring it in. I've also tried sending an email inquiry to a local feed mill, but the feed stores I've been to in town mainly have prepacked grain in woven plastic bags.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! It's important to find freshly milled feed; every bag will have a mill date on it somewhere, and it should be within about four weeks. Then, buy in quantities that will be used up within a couple of weeks more. Fresh counts for a lot, because some vitamins degrade pretty fast in the feed once it's milled.
When you are shopping for the products you are interested in, and deciding which feed stores will work best for you, quality fresh feed is most important, even if it comes in plastic.
Some national brands are everywhere, and regional products and mills vary, so find out what's available where you live.
Mary

 

[Ponyfeather]

My new organic feed by Bar ALE comes in a paper bag. No idea if this helps since the feed seems to only be available in California, Oregon and also Nevada.

EDIT: I would call your local feed stores and find out how thing come package. I am sure how things are bagged varies too.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with Mary, mill date is by far the most important aspect of buying feed. I intend to have my feed used up within 6 weeks of mill date, or as close to that date as possible.

I buy from Blue Seal. Their Extra Egg Layer Pellet is packed in plastic, but their Back Yard Basics is the same formulation and is USUALLY $2 less/bag. Guess which one I buy!!!

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Agreed with Mary, mill date is by far the most important aspect of buying feed. I intend to have my feed used up within 6 weeks of mill date, or as close to that date as possible.

I buy from Blue Seal. Their Extra Egg Layer Pellet is packed in plastic, but their Back Yard Basics is the same formulation and is USUALLY $2 less/bag. Guess which one I buy!!!

I can assure that the Extra Egg and Back Yard Basics are NOT the same formulation of feeds.

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes, they are! Same ingredient list, same nutrient percentages. But the ELP has a prettier bag and some advertising statements about chelation. Now, if any one can explain why I should be paying $2 more for that, I do wish they would explain it.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Yes, they are! Same ingredient list, same nutrient percentages. But the ELP has a prettier bag and some statements about chelation.

NO they are not. I've seen to actual formulas and they are not the same feed.