Feed prices & how much to feed

[emmahannah]

Saw the post on prices and I have a question. First of all, I'm paying $13.49 from Farm & Fleet for a 50# bag of layer crumbles. TSC is at least a dollar more now so i have stopped going there. I'm going through a bag a week!

I wanted to check with you all and see if I am feeding them to much. About 2 weeks ago our ducks started, I swear, complaining for more...like they were starving. I figured they knew winter was coming.

I have 14 light to heavyweight breeds and 19 calls and 2 RIR chickens. Am I feeding them too much? They get fed twice a day. The Calls are the only ones which do not free range. I started mixing corn in a week ago but now I feel like I am just adding expense.

I know I have heard that you need to feed them as much as they can eat in 5 minutes but is this what you all do?? Is 2x a day to much? I have noticed if I cut back on feed for the ones who free range they stray a little farther than I am comfortable with.

I am going to be selling some calls, hopefully before winter. We will be getting new ducklings in February but not as many as usual with these feed prices. We will not keep as many after 4H Fair next year. It's getting too expensive a hobby.

Thanks

[GrannyCarol]

I have 24 ducks, mostly med. weight, some heavy. They eat 4-5 50# bags a month, so your consumptions sounds about right. Mine eat more duck food in the winter and forage less. I figure they need more as it gets cold and there is less to eat in our yard. I spend way too much, the prices are higher here, but I'm also way too attached to my ducks!