This week I am going to take a break from the What’s happening posts because it’s very early in the week writing this and not much has been done since I wrote the last post. I’ll return with that one next week to show everyone the new property.
ChickenĀ feed from the feed store can get pretty expensive quickly if you have more than just a couple chickens so let me give you some tips to help keep that feed bill down. First off, I only feed scratch in the winter time when they need the extra to help with warmth. So this is my first tip, only buy scratch in the winter time. The rest of the year they really don’t need the extra because it’s like a treat to them and they will fill up on that and you egg production could drop because of this.
I know a lot of people will tell you this is wrong and I am only going over what works for me. If someone else tells you they need it, I can tell you that I have not fed scratch other than in the winter for about 6 years now and I have not lost a bird to malnutrition.Ā The second tip is to feed kitchen scraps. I have given my birds everything from the kitchen from vegetables and fruit to meat. I wouldn’t feed meat all the time, I try to only give meat a couple times a week but 3 or 4 times would be ok too because I have done that. I just wouldn’t do it all the time.
My next tip is to give them everything you take out of the garden. When you trim you plants give them the trimmings. When you weed your garden give them the weeds. While working in your garden, give them any bugs that you remove from your garden. The chickens will absolutely love this. If you are able let them free range for a little while during the day so they can get the bugs in your yard. Just make sure that any plants you don’t want them to get at are protected because otherwise they will find it.
I do not know if these are recommended tips I am only sharing what has been working for me. I don’t lose birds very often and it’s usually from old age rather than anything else. I am just saying this is what I have been doing to keep the food bill down for my chickens. I hope this is helpful for you.
If you have any other tips I would love to hear them. Leave a comment below and let me know!
Have a great day!
Renee
I really enjoy your posts. Your perspective on life is warm and heart-warming. I know what life in the country is. It takes time and effort. But it can be very rewarding as well.
Celebrate Woman Today recently posted…Why Skin In Menopause Needs The Best Brightening Cleanser For Your Face
These are great and practical tips. We have some chicken in the farm and will suggest this to them. I am not sure if they feed them from the stuff we get from our homegrown plants.
Thanks for sharing those tips! They are practical and may not work for all of us but kudos to you they are working just fine!
I want my own chickens but the HOA where we live does not allow them. Very sad as there is nothing better than fresh eggs! Maybe one day!
I have a lot of friends who struggle to keep up with feeding their chickens, since it adds up quickly. Good to know how to feed on a budget.
Marysa recently posted…Mozzarella Caprese
Funny but I always thought that chickens only ate grains! Learned something new today.
You have some great tips for feeding chickens. I wish we could have some but they’re not allowed in our area.
Amber Myers recently posted…Affordable Gifts For Mother’s Day
As someone who is interested in keeping chickens, I appreciate the practical tips and insights you’ve provided. It’s great to know that it’s possible to provide healthy, balanced meals for our feathered friends without breaking the bank. I’ll definitely keep these ideas in mind as I plan my own chicken-keeping adventure.
Lavanda Michelle recently posted…Quick and Easy Tips for Cooking for Five: A Busy Momās Guide
Love posts I can read about country life. Itās not an easy life And thereās nothing more country than chickens!
Susan Whited recently posted…Boosting Mood Naturally: 55 Proven Ways To Lift Spirits
My neighbor used to have chickens. I know that she would feed them vegetable scraps.
Glad you found a way to keep the cost of feeding down! Inflation is rough everywhere!
These are all really great and very practical tips and ideas. Iām gonna share this with my dad and husband
I donāt have chickens but this is great advice for those that do. Iād feed my chickens the same way if I had them.
Great tips! My next-door neighbor use to have so many chickens and the fresh eggs they shared with us were amazing. I agree I too would feed my chickens the same way, whatever works for you is all that matters.
It makes sense to feed the plant cuttings and bugs from the garden. These are what they would naturally eat anyway and it cuts waste.
These sound like very sensible tips for feeding chickens to me, and if it works for you then great
Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…100 Fun & Memorable Summer Activities for Kids
I love these tips, I wish that I had information on this when I had my chickens but definitely something I will keep in mind in case I get the opportunity to have them again!
Beautiful Touches recently posted…The Importance of Choosing Organic CBD
These are great advice! I am sure I will save on chicken this way!
Thanks for sharing the tips. This reminds me of my Mom. She had chickens and we always had fresh eggs.
Lynndee recently posted…March & April Recaps
Thank you so much for sharing these tips. It reminds me of My dad and mom feeding the chicken and cow that we had on the farm.
laura recently posted…Killer Pretty Little Liars #6
Such great tips! My paternal uncle has been feeding their chicken kitchen scraps for the past few years and all good š
Everything Enchanting recently posted…Review of Primark PS Lip Liner Pencil Vintage RoseĀ
It was helpful to have the information you provided. Your sharing of it is greatly appreciated.
Great tips! I’ve been toying with the idea of chickens for fresh eggs and tick control but it seems like a lot of work, didn’t even think of the expenses LOL! Thanks for sharing!!