[VM]

Yet another question from new member/new would-be chicken owner...

Does anyone use organic feed for chickens? If so, is it easy to ge and is it much more expensive?

thanks and best wishes
VM

[peggyprice]

Yet another question from new member/new would-be chicken owner...

Does anyone use organic feed for chickens? If so, is it easy to ge and is it much more expensive?

thanks and best wishes
VM

Yes, yes and yes!

I decided from day one to use organic (I don't put chemicals on my veg, and the eggs are only one step further up (down?) the chain IMO, so wanted to keep chemicals out of the system as much as poss).

There are various places you can get organic feed online - try Wiggly Wigglers or (I know, I know, I know Aunty   ) Omlet (www.omlet.co.uk) - but they tend to be the most expensive sources I've seen.

I've found a trade supplier only a few miles away from me (I'm on the SW side of Sheffield) - Hi Peak Feeds (www.hipeak.co.uk/content.php) - they do 25kg of organic layers pellets for just over a tenner, and organic mixed corn about the same.  I think that's about twice the price of 'normal' pellets; I bought a 25kg bag when we got our first four girls about four weeks ago; we now have five chooks and we're about two thirds of the way through the bag, so I reckon it's no more than about 1.60 per week for the pellets, less for the corn because that bag will last me longer, as long as I store it right.

They do deliver, but I think the minimum order is something huge like a pallet load - but if you can't find anything similar near to where you are, go and talk to your busiest local pet shop - its a growing market, and you should be able to persuade them to buy some in for you...

Hope that helps, and good luck with your chooks!

[compostqueen]

that's where mine's from and my mixed corn  

[peggyprice]

Hey CQ, I hadn't realised you were so close  

They were really nice to me when I went there as well - there's me feeling like a complete idiot 'cause I'd never bought the stuff before and didn't even know what to ask for and they've got grain silos as big as a house and lorries going in and out and the rest  :roll:

They're also advertising on their website for new organic egg producers http://www.hipeak.co.uk/content.php?categoryId=33 for anyone that's interested.

If I had some land ... and knew anything about farming ...  

[compostqueen]

Me neither. My mate does though, and her old man would like to retire from his current very physical job now he's getting too stiff to clamber about on roofs having had knee surgery. They have all sorts of animals and land so I sent her the details

[si-mate]

The Organic Feed Company (Allen & Page) do a whole range of organic rations. If you look on their website there is a stockist locator.

In my opinion you might aswell buy their smallholder range rather than organic. There is no difference as to the formulation or quality of the food, it just uses conventionally grown cereals, proteins and vitamins rather than organic.
There is a price difference of around £4 / 20kg.

[VM]

Thanks for replies. I've looked at Hipeak website and will look at Organic Feed Company as well.

all best - like this forum

[Charlwood1005]

My local pet shop gets it in for 12.35 for 20 kg. which is expensive but convenient are you anywhere near Bolton?

[Slatz]

My local pet shop gets it in for 12.35 for 20 kg. which is expensive but convenient are you anywhere near Bolton?

I'm pretty close, which pet shop do you use?

[Charlwood1005]

Allbreeds

Tonge Moor Road

[Aunt Sally]

I feed my chooks on Marrages pellets.

http://www.marriagefeeds.co.uk/index.htm