Trying to anticipate food costs

[SandraMort]

I'm trying to figure out how much feeding the birds will cost *before* I place my order so I don't get in over my head.

For group A, I'm looking at 24 layers and 2 roos:

If they average a quarter pound of food per bird per day, then we're looking at approximately 6 lbs of food a day or 42 lbs a week. If I am free ranging them a large portion of each day, do you think I can count on being able to make a 50 lb bag last two weeks? Or should I just count on 50 lbs a week and have leftover?

For group B, I'm looking at 100 broilers (color rangers from JM hatchery). I'm told they grow more slowly than cornish x, but take longer to grow so the FCR is the same. I found the information on them very confusing... they eat a pound of feed per bird per day? How much will ranging them drop that?

Thank you!

 

[arlee453]

I have a flock of about 30 chickens out there right now and I go through a little less than 50# of layer pellets per week. They do get out for at least 2-4 hours a day of ranging/pasturing in the larger yard, and whatever they can scratch up in their 20x80 ft run.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Right now we have 26 cornish x's meat birds. I will go through 500 lbs of grain in 8 wks. Right now at 6 wks they are weighing 6.5 - 7 lbs. Their average weight will be around 9-10lbs. Ours are not free ranging (to many predators). I am not sure if the cost of birds that grow slower would be worth it. Especially if they eat just as much. Also, look at what weight will they be in 8 wks. If these birds will only weigh say 6 lbs. in 8wks. IMO it is not worth it. Good luck in whatever you choose.

 

[SandraMort]

Quote:
OK. So I'll go through the same 500 in 9-11 weeks. They eat as much by processing time over a longer period.

Right now at 6 wks they are weighing 6.5 - 7 lbs. Their average weight will be around 9-10lbs.

That's probably a little bigger than my guys will be. Honestly, I'm not worried by a pound or two smaller.

I am not sure if the cost of birds that grow slower would be worth it. Especially if they eat just as much. Also, look at what weight will they be in 8 wks. If these birds will only weigh say 6 lbs. in 8wks. IMO it is not worth it. Good luck in whatever you choose.

You've lost me. They eat as much but over a longer time, so it's the same cost. What's "not worth it"? Why would I look at the 8 week weight for a bird that doesn't get butchered at 8 weeks? I know I don't want cornish X.. what other alternative meat birds are there if this one is no good?​

 

[SandraMort]

So, if I'm understanding correctly, I'll need 50/wk of layer and 200 a week for the meat birds?

 

[SandraMort]

Wow, just did the math. That does add up quickly! But investing a moderate amount a week at a time has a full freezer payoff, I guess!

 

[banter]

I am feeding 6 large geese and 7 chickens on 50 scratch and 50 pellets free range each month plus garden scraps. Spoiled birds!