I’ve been progressively moving towards discontinuing the use of anything genetically modified. This includes the feed for my chickens.
While this may sound simple, it really isn’t. Something like 90% of the corn and soy grown in this country is genetically modified leaving only 10% of it available to those of us who are conscious of avoiding. I guess you could say I’m a conscientious avoider. No GMOs. I figured the best way to avoid this is to completely avoid corn and soy.
I used to get my chicken feed at a local feed store but I’ve since found a local source for organic chicken feed. While Good’s sells mixed chicken feeds, they also sells single seed varieties in individual bags. I’m able to get 3-4 lb. bags of sunflower seeds, millet, safflower seed and more so I starting putting together my own seed mixture. I throw in some meal worms, also sold at the feed store, especially in the winter for extra protein.
The chickens LOVE it! It’s like candy for them. I’m sure they have a hierarchy of tastes because they always go for the meal worms first. I often wonder which ones they go for next, perhaps the next highest in protein?
In case you’re wondering the cost per pound, here is my cost breakdown for this mixture. Keep in mind seed costs are quite regional, especially with us being in the middle of an agricultural community.
Non-GMO Chicken Scratch
Milo (or sorghum) 5#/3.50 $ .70
Safflower 4#/4.00 $ 1.00
Millet 5#/3.00 $ .60
Thistle Seed 4#/4.00 $ 1.00
Sunflower Seed 4#/5.25 $ 1.32
Meal worms 3#/36.00 $12.00
Cost per pound is $16.62.
If you elect to cut out the meal worms you could cut down the cost considerably. The price per pound would change to $4.62/lb.