[Stereo]

We have about 35 layers at the mo and some more on the way and sell eggs on the gate. It's never going to make us rich but next year we are planning a move into hatching eggs, having built up a good number of quality Welsummer hens and just picked up 2 excellent young boys from a local breeder.

Problem is with winter approaching, the eggs decline but I know the feed bill won't. Now we are starting to do this as an enterprise, it's time to look at costs. We currently buy A+P Smallholders layers at about £10.50 a bag. Expensive I know but it's GM free which our egg customers like and still gives us a profit. In a couple years or so, we may be going organic as well.

I want to look at increasing hen numbers to 60 or so and at the same time saving a whack on feed. I know I can buy any old layers at £7 a bag from the same shop but what would you pay if you bought from a mill or by the pallet? I think what worries me is the loss of quality as we currently get a steady supply of really good eggs. I know though that there are huge savings to be made on feed.

Any advice? I'm in South Devon by the way.

[Foobar]

If you are in South Devon then I would ring Mole Valley Farmers (Feed Enquiries - the number is on their website), explain that you want non-GM and see what prices they can do for you.  Sometimes you can get non-GM variants of stuff if you ask, if you are buying in bulk.
Also research other brands, there are a few that are GM free - BOCM's Farmgate and Heygates's Layers are both GM-free I believe (or they were the last time I asked).  Both of those brands are much cheaper than those A&P ones.

[Fowlman]

Or there is always the option of making up your own feed from locally sourced non-GM ingredients and a small investment of a small grain mill and a little research.

[Stereo]

Thanks, will ring Mole Valley. What's involved in making your own? I know some pretty big poultry operations and they seem to buy in and not mill their own.

[Fowlman]

Large poultry operations will have there feed made up to there specifications i suspect or they get a damn good deal on feed.

[taz08]

most animal feeds have different recipes ,, my hubby makes it ,,
depends on what the customer wants in it

[Cjnewton82]

I do a mixed ton so i get food for the turkeys pigs and the chickens at the same time I pay 6.95 per 20kg bag
thats BOCM farm and gate

[lachlanandmarcus]

Tbh I've found the organic pellets just as economical even tho they cost 3x as much, it sounds odd but I find the chickens eat every little bit rather than just wasting loads as they do with the cheapie ones. It might not be relevant with larger flocks but I've def spent less since observing this, I can feed far less of the organic one and no waste.

[Womble]

I know some pretty big poultry operations and they seem to buy in and not mill their own.

Well you can guarantee that the big boys are paying an awful lot less for bulk deliveries than we are when buying by the sack. I don't know - perhaps they'd be willing to sell you some for a small mark-up? Nothing to be lost by asking!

[demonfarmer2630]

I have just started breeding mealworms for mine its great for the hens and cheap to start cost me £4 so far as winter feed really
 

[Fowlman]

Too many mealworms is not good though, too high in protein.

[AndynJ]

when you've finished at Mole valley try Rollestone feeds 01392 832150 they between Exeter & Dawlish they supply Crediton Mill bags, Crediton Mill probably won't supply you your too small I buy a pallet at a time and they won't supply me. I have been sprouting barley for a while and they love that it also contains about 16% protein which is near on what layers contain, dry barley has 10% protein, sprouts go 5x further. where abouts are you ? newton rare breeds is on this morning

[Victorian Farmer]

It's worth the time and effort to get hatching eggs a pound an egg at the Mart right breed 28 pound for 12 day old chicks 4 pound each

[Clansman]

Are you using any artificial lighting Stereo?

[Stereo]

No, I like them to work to natural daylight.