Quote: You bring up a very good point. Having had to formulate a few feed mixes for ag classes . . . . the whole grains are the most expensive. THe by products of other processing is cheaper. Like Brewers grains. Or whey. THe items with the high proteins are more expensive than lower protein.
I often calculate the value of the feed by the cost of the protein.
I buy directly from the mill, and the owner of the mill does my deliveries, so we often chat about prices. Overall my prices have almost doubled in just a few years, maybe 4. from $7.75 a bag to $13.50 ish.
Fields pulled for grwoing for the ethanol, or corn shipped overseas.
As long as the birds will eat the commercial pellets, I"m fine with what ever they put in to it. ANd supplement with meat scraps on butcher day, old eggs, etc.
A bag of commercial pellets is well worth the money if time and money are important, and convenience, too.
I don't use pestacides or herbacides on my lawns so the birds and horses and sheep can munch safely.