Trying to reduce feed-cost with free ranging, will it work?

[Ohmyheart]

I have 20 chickens, so far 12 are laying. Since the days have shorten I don't get 12 eggs a day. But more like 7 a day that are of the large size. I have one person who buys 3 dozen every other week. That pays for the girls feed. So almost free chickens

 

[sfgwife]

My two cents here after readin all of this thread and our experience..... we have 19 birds here. A fifty pound bag of feed lasts us a month and costs us bout $20 and their feeders are always open for free feedin. They get leftovers daily but it is more of a treat amount than meal amount for that many birds and they have a large run plus another large spot right outside of it for huntin... not quite free rangin because it is inside a portable fence but outside their enclosed run. I get thinkin it would be nice to have free birds..... but really..... $20 a month is NOTHING if you compare it to what you get in return from them in just eggs a month. So why fret over needin to buy a bag of feed to have healthy birds?

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

They need feed! Unfortunately, there after aren't enough bugs to fill up those birds! Like a lot of other people said, the amount of feed you DO give them will vary depending on where you live and how rich and plentiful the land is they are grazing on. Free ranging will lower your feed cost, but it most likely won't be free ! I recommend giving them a normal portion size the first few days, and depending on how much they ate (or didn't eat), you can give them a smaller (or larger) food serving. I hope it all goes well for you!

Ps. If you decide to free range, make sure to check on your birds frequently. Chicken is hawk buffet!!

 

[Jesus solano]

Yeah, I've also been into that; But I heard its not very good business and you most likely won't sell many eggs, so I got discouraged.

Thanks everyone for opening my eyes. It was kinda foolish.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure to keep them safe.

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

Oh, and about they treats, it all depends on the birds.

Yeah, I've also been into that; But I heard its not very good business and you most likely won't sell many eggs, so I got discouraged.

Thanks everyone for opening my eyes. It was kinda foolish.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure to keep them safe.

It wasn't a foolish thought! I thought the same thing when I started letting my chickens free range!

 

[lazy gardener]

True that egg sales can often offset the feed price. But, selling eggs is a labor of love, Far more time put into it than the return $. I simply want to share my passion for good food (eggs and garden produce) and land stewardship with others.

 

[digbychris]

I have around 18 birds in total, mostly hens but a rooster and a duck or two. They free range over several acres of pasture, get grit from the driveway, etc. The only time I've seen them not want to come in and eat the feed I buy is when I have cattle in the pasture. Not only do they pick up what the calves drop when they feed but they peck through the manure and get more. Even then, they come when they see me to get their layer feed. They just don't eat as much.
Now, there's obviously an argument for me allowing them to eat what the cattle eat: mainly cracked corn and other grains and obv the protein levels are very different, etc but that's a whole other discussion. I assume they eat what they want and make up the nutritional difference with bugs, worms, and the feed I give them. Im not the type that make pets out of my chickens. I enjoy the hobby but I'm not very hands on. I want them to be healthy and productive. I find that free ranging works, but I still have to buy feed. In the winter they are cooped up with access to a run and feed costs go up. Ive found that if I don't do this they start nesting and roosting in different barns and areas I don't want them. If this wasn't a hobby it would make no financial sense at all.