Where to Buy Bulk Chicken Feed

Raising chickens can be an extremely rewarding experience. Fresh eggs every morning, cute chicks running around, and knowing exactly what your chickens are eating make keeping backyard chickens popular. However, the cost of buying chicken feed from the store for a flock can add up quickly. This leads many chicken owners to wonder: where can I buy affordable bulk chicken feed? Luckily, there are great options for purchasing quality bulk chicken feed online and having it conveniently delivered right to your door.

Benefits of Buying Chicken Feed in Bulk

Buying feed in bulk offers several advantages:

• Cost savings: If you buy more feed at once, you can get discounts for buying in bulk, which saves you money. The cheapest price per pound or bag is when you buy in bulk.

• Convenience—You won’t have to go to the feed store as often to get smaller bags of feed. Bulk feed can be sent directly to your home on a schedule that works for you.

• Storage – Bulk feed is packaged in large sacks or barrels that typically contain between 1000-2,000 pounds of feed. The packaging makes it easy to store a large quantity of feed neatly in one place.

• Nutrition – Bulk feed allows you to purchase quality feed formulated specifically for the type and age of chickens you have, ensuring they get the nutrition they need.

• Changes—Some suppliers let you make changes to bulk feed orders by picking which types of feed to mix together. This way, you can feed different kinds of poultry what they need.

Where to Buy Bulk Chicken Feed Online

Many online retailers offer bulk chicken feed delivery options. Two great options to consider are:

Mile Four

Mile Four is a family-run business that sells certified organic, non-GMO feeds for cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals. They offer discounts for buying in bulk, and full pallet orders ship for free.

Their bulk organic chicken feed comes in three varieties – layer, grower, and starter. Each feed type is further customized by choosing mash, pellet or whole grain texture. Full pallets contain 1,909 pounds of feed, or you can order by the quarter pallet at 460 pounds.

Mile Four provides helpful guidance online about how much feed chickens require by type and age. Their team can also assist with customizing your bulk feed order. They deliver nationwide or offer pick-up in Minneapolis.

Leland Mills

Leland Mills provides premium bulk feeds for poultry, livestock, and pets. Their diverse selection includes specific feeds for chickens by type and age such as layer hens, broilers, chicks and pullets.

They sell bulk chicken feed by the ton, delivering 1,000-2,000 pound loads direct to your farm or home. You can choose delivery or pick-up your bulk order at one of their mill locations in Utah and Idaho.

Leland Mills offers 22 different bulk chicken feeds to choose from. Best-sellers for layers include their 18% layer mash, non-GMO hippea hen blend, and crumble options like Gallo Pro. Their online guides help determine how much feed is needed based on the number and type of chickens you have.

What to Look for When Buying Bulk Chicken Feed

To ensure you get quality bulk chicken feed, keep these key considerations in mind:

• Type of feed – Purchase feed specifically formulated for the laying hens, broilers, chicks, or other poultry type you have. Feeds are optimized with nutrients, minerals, and protein levels appropriate for each bird’s needs.

• Feed form – Mash, pellets, crumbles, or whole grains are available. Consider the age of your flock and which texture they seem to like best.

• Certified organic – Organic certification verifies quality ingredients and production methods were used with no GMOs or chemicals. This is especially important if you sell eggs or meat.

• Company reputation – Choose an established company with a track record of reliably delivering quality feed. Check reviews and talk to the company to vet their customer service.

• Delivery options – Home delivery ensures convenience while pick-up saves shipping costs. See what options each company provides for your location.

• Price – Buying in bulk should provide significant savings over bagged feed. Compare costs across suppliers, including delivery fees.

• Storage space – Make sure you have adequate covered storage to keep tons of feed dry until used. First-in first-out rotation helps ensure freshness.

How Much Does Bulk Chicken Feed Cost?

Bulk feed prices are typically quoted by the ton and may range between $300-$600 per ton. However, prices vary significantly based on the type of feed, quantity purchased, and geography.

Here are some examples for reference:

• Organic layer feed: $0.35-$0.65 per pound

• Non-GMO layer feed: $0.28-$0.35 per pound

• Organic broiler feed: $0.30-$0.45 per pound

• Non-GMO broiler feed: $0.25-$0.35 per pound

• Organic starter feed: $0.45-$0.75 per pound

• Non-GMO starter feed: $0.30-$0.50 per pound

Always obtain an exact bulk price quote from suppliers as prices fluctuate. Be sure to factor in any delivery charges as well. Buying multiple tons at once or choosing pick-up often yields the biggest discounts.

How Much Bulk Chicken Feed Should I Order?

Figuring out how much bulk chicken feed to purchase for your flock takes a bit of planning. Here are some guidelines on quantity:

• On average, plan for 1-2 pounds of feed per hen per week. More feed is needed during peak egg production seasons.

• Grower and starter feeds are fed at higher rates as baby chicks and pullets eat more relative to body weight while growing.

• Order at least 1 ton of feed at a time to receive bulk pricing. Aim for 2 tons if you have storage space.

• Request guidance from your feed supplier on recommended quantities based on your flock size and types of chickens.

• Start with a smaller order first to gauge actual consumption before purchasing 10 tons! Monitor how long a shipment lasts you.

• Have some extra on hand to last until your next scheduled delivery. Running out of feed between shipments would be unfortunate.

With a little planning, buying bulk chicken feed can be a cost-effective way to conveniently keep your flock well fed. Reach out to suppliers like Mile Four and Leland Mills to request quotes and place an order to have quality bulk feed delivered straight to your coop. Your chickens will thank you!