Pretty much all food scraps go to the birds. Some things I know they won't eat go directly to the compost.
continually working to get feeders to waste less feed.
I buy feed in bulk, so I don't get many feed sacks. What I do get, I use under my roosts to collect poop.
chicken poop gets composted.
Chickens are released regularly to work the compost pile and the large livestock living areas. This gives them exercise, mentally and physically. Healthier birds are hardier birds. Also cuts down on flies from the manure piles. also gives the birds some nutrition, so less $ on feed.
Wood stove ashes go to the coop for dust bathing.
Used bedding goes to compost or directly on garden beds, depending on time of year, etc.
Construction is usually from scrap piles of materials we've accumulated over the years.
I rarely purchase things marketed for chickens or chicken owners. Yes, a cute egg basket is cute, but some of those prices? I use an old coffee container. Feed scoop? Same thing.
Keep an eye on CL or other for sale sites, looking for dog kennels or wire crates. You always seem to need one or two for something, an ill bird, unexpected chicks, whatever. Picking them up cheap at your leisure is better than needing one and going to
PetCo and paying $$$ for a new one.
Speaking of
PetCo, don't buy any chicken supplies at "pet" stores. You'll always pay more. You may think of your flock as pets, but purchase their supplies at a farm/ranch store. You'll get much better prices. Buy feed in 50lb bags unless you have only 4 or so birds. Buy shavings in the big compressed bale, not the cute little bag. Shavings don't go bad, just keep them dry and you can use them forever.
