As someone who has raised meat birds before, I can tell you that feeding them can be a significant expense. It’s important to have an idea of how much feed you’ll need to buy and how much it will cost.
In this article, I’ll discuss how much feed a meat bird typically consumes in their lifetime and how much you can expect to pay for it.
How Much Feed Does a Meat Bird Consume in Their Lifetime?
The amount of feed a meat bird consumes in their lifetime depends on several factors, including breed, age, and weight. Generally speaking, meat birds consume more feed than egg-laying birds because they grow faster and require more protein.
According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, a meat bird typically consumes about 10 to 12 pounds of feed to reach a market weight of around 5 to 6 pounds. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual amount of feed your birds consume may vary.
My own experience with raising Cornish Cross meat birds is that they consume about 1 to 1.5 pounds of feed per week until they reach their market weight of around 5 to 6 pounds. This means that a single bird can consume anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds of feed in their lifetime.
It’s important to keep in mind that the amount of feed your birds consume will depend on several factors, including the quality of the feed, the temperature and humidity of the environment, and the size of your flock.
How Much Does Feed Cost for Meat Birds?
The cost of feed for meat birds can vary depending on your location and the type of feed you choose. Feed costs in some areas can be significantly higher due to factors such as shipping and availability.
In the United States, you can typically expect to pay around $15 to $30 for a 50-pound bag of feed, which translates to around 30 to 60 cents per pound of feed. However, the cost of feed can vary depending on the brand and quality of the feed.
It’s worth noting that specialty feeds, such as organic options, can be more expensive than traditional feeds. To save on feed costs, consider mixing your own feed or supplementing with kitchen scraps or other food sources. This can help you cut down on expenses while still providing your birds with a nutritious diet.
How to Save Money on Feed Costs for Meat Birds.
If you’re looking to save money on feed costs for your meat birds, there are several strategies you can try:
- Mix your own feed: You can save money by mixing your own feed using ingredients like corn, soybean meal, and wheat. However, it’s important to make sure that your birds are getting the right balance of nutrients.
- Supplement with kitchen scraps: You can also supplement your birds’ diet with kitchen scraps like vegetable peelings, bread, and leftover meat. Just be sure to avoid feeding them anything that’s spoiled or moldy.
- Shop around for deals: Look for sales or discounts on feed at your local farm supply store or online.
- Raise your own feed: If you have the space and resources, you can also consider growing your own feed like corn or wheat.
By using these strategies, you can significantly reduce your feed costs and make raising meat birds more affordable.
Conclusion
Raising meat birds can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to have an idea of how much feed you’ll need and how much it will cost. A meat bird typically consumes around 10 to 12 pounds of feed to reach a market weight of 5 to 6 pounds, but this can vary depending on several factors. Feed costs can also vary depending on your location and the type of feed you choose.
In some countries, feed costs can be higher than in other countries, but there are strategies you can use to save money on feed costs, such as mixing your own feed and supplementing with kitchen scraps.
Ultimately, the amount of feed your meat birds consume and the cost of that feed will depend on your individual circumstances. By doing your research, shopping around, and implementing cost-saving strategies, you can make raising meat birds a more affordable and sustainable endeavor.
