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When you first realize your homegrown eggs are costing you more than what you'd pay for eggs at the store'
The current state of mass food production has duped us into believing things like milk, eggs, and grains cost much less than they actually do or should.
For example: Even though we have our own milk cow, our milk technically costs me MORE than it would to simply buy a gallon at the grocery store.
The good news? Saving money isn't the primary reason we've chosen to own a cow. For us, it's really about the quality of the product; our milk is fresh, beyond organic, and wonderfully raw. Not to mention owning a cow just plain makes me happy, so it's a quality of life thing for us as well.
Chickens and eggs fall into the same category. While it depends on feed prices in your area, I'm still going to venture to say if you are looking for 'frugal' eggs, you'll probably be better off buying eggs from the store. But, that's not the reason most of us keep chickens, right? We love the bright yellow yolks, the satisfaction of watching the hens peck around the yard, and all that comes with chicken-ownership.
However, if you experienced sticker-shock the last time you walked into the feed store, take heart! There are plenty of ways to save money on chicken feed AND boost your flock's nutrition in the process. This list will help you get started'>
When I started calling different feed mills, I was surprised at the huge difference in prices. Just remember' cheaper isn't always better, and if you are feeding an ultra low-quality feed, it can be very hard on your birds. Never sacrifice your chickens' health just to save a buck.
Note: If egg production is your main goal, low-quality feed will greatly reduce the quantity and quality of the eggs your hens produce.
Chickens are notorious for playing with their food and causing a lot of waste. The right feeder can help prevent waste and save you money in the long run. It can be tempting to just grab the nearest dish or container to simply feed your chickens, but a spillproof feeder with a top on it
I say this with a wee bit of hesitation, since depending on your situation, it may actually be MORE expensive to mix your own feed' However, I do suggest finding a recipe you like (all my homemade chicken feed recipes are in my Natural Homestead book), and then shopping around with local feed stores to see how much it would cost for them to mix it for you. Also, don't forget to check with the local farmers in your area. Sometimes they'll have older grains sitting around that aren't fit for human use but would be fabulous for your flock.
I buy everything in bulk, including my chicken feed. Often feed stores will give you a cut if you purchase a pallet of feed, rather than just a bag or two. Another trick is to split a large order with a friend. My one caveat is this: chicken feed which has been ground/processed/cracked, rapidly loses nutrition as it sits. It's probably not a good idea to purchase a year's supply at a time unless you are using a recipe that calls for whole grains'they are much more shelf-stable.
Fermented chicken feed is basically grains that have sat in water for a period of time. These grains have been what is known as lacto -fermented; this is the same process that is used to ferment sauerkraut. The process of fermenting creates good bacteria also known as probiotics which greatly increases nutrient intake and decreases the amount they eat.
Note: The probiotics increase nutrients so that your hens will lay better quality eggs as well.
This is actually a topic with a bit of debate surrounding it' (Have you noticed everything causes a debate these days?) While I like the thought of allowing my flock to self-regulate, it can be a problem if you have lots of rodents. Rats and mice think free-choice chicken feeding is the best thing ever, and if you struggle with rodent problems in your coop, it's likely your all-you-can-eat grain buffet is to blame. This problem can be avoided by only feeding as much as your chickens can eat in one day.
I realize this isn't possible for everyone, but if you can, allow your chickens to roam around your yard. Not only will this greatly supplement their diet, but it can also help to control bug populations, and keeps them from becoming bored. Plus, there is something so soothing about watching chickens scratch around your front porch.
When my hens must stay confined to their pen in the summer months (usually because they are destroying my almost-ripe tomatoes), I like to pick large handfuls of weeds or grass and toss them over the chicken-run fence. The girls definitely enjoy rummaging around in the green matter. I also like to take a bucket to the garden with me when I weed, and I collect all the weeds in the bucket and transport them to the flock as well. (Although I don't have near as many weeds as I used to, thanks to my deep-mulching adventures!)
If you can't allow your chickens to free-range an alternative that saves on feed costs is a chicken tractor. Chicken tractors are mobile coops that have wheels or are light enough to move around the yard. This allows your chickens to free-range in a confined setting.
Chicken tractors have been a great tool on the homestead, especially for free-ranging our meat chickens. It not only cuts down on the feed costs but allows them to get in exercise as well!
Not all stores will allow this, but ask if you can have the wilted lettuce, squishy tomatoes, and bruised apples. Some folks also collect stale bread items from bakeries, but I personally avoid this. Many of the bread items sold in stores like donuts, breads, rolls, or muffins are made with heavily processed ingredients and additives. They might be okay for the occasional treat, but they aren't something I'd recommend feeding on a regular basis' just as humans shouldn't eat them as the bulk of their diet.
Chickens eat all kinds of different things that naturally grow, if you are already growing a garden or have extra space then what better way to save on chicken than growing your own food sources. Growing food sources doesn't mean that you need to provide your flock's entire source of food (if you can that is great), it just means supplementing with things that you can grow on the side. Two ways you can do this is by growing a chicken garden or actually growing feed grain and seeds for your chickens.
I haven't tried growing my own duckweed yet, but I'm totally intrigued! Duckweed is a high-protein plant that can be fed to a variety of animals, including chickens. If you're a duckweed grower, please leave a comment and share your wisdom!
As tough as I like to think I am, I must confess I'm still not quite ready to tackle the whole concept of raising grubs/larvae for my birds. Do I think it's incredibly smart? YES. Do I think it's a fabulous way to create low-cost, high-protein feed? YES. Do I want to get up-close and personal with maggots? Eh, not quite yet. If you're braver than me, my chicken-keeping idol, Harvey Ussery, has a chapter in his book (affiliate link) devoted entirely to cultivating soldier grubs.
If you own dairy goats, cows, or sheep, you are familiar with the feeling of drowning in milk. When you're floating in milk and have made all the homemade yogurt and mozzarella cheese you can handle, consider sharing your excess with your chickens. Leftover milk and whey are full of protein and most flocks will enjoy the treat. For an extra boost of probiotic nutrition, clabber your raw milk by allowing it to sit out at room temperature for several days until it begins to thicken. (Don't attempt this with pasteurized milk' you will not have the same results.)
I keep a small bucket on my kitchen counter at all times and continually toss in bits of leftover bread, celery ends, carrot peelings, watermelon rinds, and more. It's a feeding frenzy when I show up at the coop. My chickens have even been known to chase me down in the yard when they see me carrying any sort of white bucket. It's insanely satisfying to watch your birds turn kitchen waste into orange-yolked eggs.
I know many of you keep chickens as pets, and that's great. But if you are truly trying to cut costs, it may be time to turn non-producing hens into nourishing chicken soup. I know this thought might cause some of you to recoil in horror, but keep in mind this is exactly what great-grandma would have done.
Sprouting grains is the starting point when you are growing fodder. The difference is simply the stage that the sprouts have grown to. If they are less than 4 inches they are still considered sprouts any taller and you have yourself the beginning of a fodder system. Both sprouting grains and Fodder systems can provide nutrient-dense feeds for a fairly minimal cost. Get all the details in this livestock fodder system post. (Bonus' your other farm critters will like fodder, too!)
Chickens love scratching the ground looking for bugs and good things to eat, they will do the same thing to a compost pile. Adding the compost pile to the coop will allow them to get extra snacks and put them to work for you turning the compost. We decided to put the compost in the chicken run and so far this has been a great addition to the coop. You can watch how the process went on here. Our compost is now the number one spot to find our happy hens!
Having your chickens running around the garden when things are in full swing can be a huge nuisance. However, there is nothing wrong with letting them free-range during the off-season. It is a win-win for everyone you get fertilizer, garden clean up without the work, and of course full happy hens. Nothing like saving time using chicken power on your homestead to get the job done!
What are YOUR best tips to save money on chicken feed? Leave a comment!
In an era of economic uncertainty and soaring living expenses, the search for cost-effective alternatives becomes crucial. Enter pellet and wood stoves'alternative heating units that boast attributes such as user-friendly operation, heightened efficiency, accessibility of fuel and a commitment to sustainability, all while sparking a comforting ambiance.
Join us on a journey where the warmth sought is not just in the glow of flames but also in financial relief and sustainable choices that resonate throughout our homes. Let's discover together how to save money with alternative home heating, creating spaces that are economically resilient and environmentally responsible.
What is a Heating Stove?
Heating stoves, versatile and efficient, function as standalone units designed to generate heat by burning various fuels such as wood, pellets or gas. These freestanding appliances provide a distinct and concentrated source of warmth, making them particularly valuable in residential spaces. Essential to their operation is proper venting, ensuring the safe expulsion of combustion byproducts.
Like heating stoves, fireplace inserts serve as a seamless retrofit solution. Designed to slide into existing fireplace spaces, these inserts leverage the ambiance of a traditional hearth while enhancing heating efficiency.
With their diverse fuel options and adaptability to different living environments, heating stoves stand as reliable and customizable solutions for achieving both comfort and energy efficiency in a home.
Benefits of Heating Stoves
Discover the myriad advantages that heating stoves bring to your home. Heating stoves bring more than just warmth, they serve as the ultimate solution for issues homeowners care about most:
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Cost savings
Efficiency
Sustainability
Reliability
Ambiance
Ease of use
Local and federal incentives and tax credits
How Heating Stoves Save Money
Heating stoves stand as cost-friendly champions in the realm of home heating. One of the primary contributors to their cost-saving allure is the utilization of low-cost, renewable fuels. Whether opting for pellets or wood, these heating stoves tap into eco-friendly resources, offering not just warmth but also a conscientious nod to sustainability.
Stable Fuel Costs
When it comes to stability in heating costs, heating stoves excel. The benefit of heating stoves is not simply a matter of immediate savings, but also the long-term financial stability they offer. The low-cost, renewable nature of their fuel sources ensures a consistent and economical supply, shielding users from the volatility often associated with traditional energy markets. Buying in bulk, a practice encouraged by the nature of heating stoves, not only provides convenience but also often comes with discounted rates, accentuating the financial savviness of purchasing these systems.
High-Efficiency Units
The high efficiency of heating stoves is a key benefit in their money-saving prowess. Adhering to stringent EPA standards, these stoves optimize fuel consumption, translating into more heat for your buck. With advancements in key technologies, such as advanced combustion systems and programmable thermostats, users can exercise precise control over their heating requirements, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
Forge & Flame's Key Technologies
Not all stoves are made the same. With innovative engineering, Forge & Flame's units optimize the way you heat. Explore the host of technologies that make our brands stand out among the rest:
Federal Biomass Tax Credit
For those exploring the financial benefits of heating stoves, the Biomass Tax Credit is a noteworthy incentive. This tax credit, applicable to both pellet and wood stoves, rewards homeowners for choosing eco-friendly heating solutions. It serves as a tangible acknowledgment of the environmental benefits associated with heating stoves, while also contributing to the economic well-being of individuals making the choice.
How Much Can a Heating Stove Save on Costs?
When it comes to savings, math speaks for itself. Take these scenarios as examples:
Heating Oil vs. a Pellet Stove
Say you live in a 2,000-square-foot home in New Jersey paying $4.36/gallon for oil. If you purchase a pellet stove that is eligible for the tax credit ' which covers a percentage of purchase and installation costs ' you will get 30% back on the following year's tax return. So, if you were to buy a Harman P43 pellet stove this year at $4,079 plus $1,000 for the vent pipe and installation, and $400 hearth pad for a total of $5,479, you'll get $1,643 back once you complete your tax return next year.
On average, the typical pellet stove owner uses three tons of pellets to heat their home per year at a cost of $260.00 per ton, totaling approximately $780 in fuel costs per year.
In comparison, an average homeowner in the Northeast United States uses five to eight gallons of heating oil, totaling between $21.80-$34.88 per day. If you are heating your home from November to March, those 151 days add up quickly ' totaling between $3,291.80 to $5,266.88 per year.
On the low end of that cost breakdown, $3,291.80 (cost per heating oil per year) minus $780.00 (cost per heating pellets per year) is a savings of $2,511! Remember, with the cost of the unit and installation after the federal biomass tax credit, you have invested $3,836, which means in less than two years of use, switching to pellets pays for itself. Moreover, with proper care and maintenance, pellet stoves can last between 10 to 15 years.
Heating Oil vs. a Wood Stove
Likewise, wood stoves prove to be a sound economical choice over heating oil. If the same homeowner in New Jersey opted for a wood stove to heat their 2,000 square-foot home and purchased a tax-credit qualifying Vermont Castings Encore wood stove at $3,789.00, plus installation and hearth pad costs of $3,250, the initial investment would total around $7,039. Since this unit qualifies for the 30% biomass tax credit, capped at $2,000, $2,000 would be deducted from your tax return the following year.
As for fuel requirements, a good rule of thumb to follow is two to three cords for every 1,000 square feet per season. In this example, with a home of 2,000 square feet, four to six cords would be needed to last one winter. Many factors go into the cost of wood ' such as if you chop your own or go through a supplier ' so this calculation may vary. However, you can purchase four cords of wood in New Jersey on average for $1,000 or $1,500 for six.
So, if you are using heating oil that may cost around $3,291.80 on the low end, opting for wood fuel using four cords of wood at $1,000 will add up to a total yearly savings of $2,291.80. With the tax credit deducted from your initial investment, switching to wood would initially cost $5,039, meaning in less than three years of use, your wood stove would have paid off its initial investment and more! Keep in mind, with proper use and maintenance wood stoves can last between 10 to 15 years. It pays to be sustainable!
Switch and Save with a Heating Stove
Heating stoves emerge as astute financial choices, combining sustainability and efficiency with cost-effectiveness. Whether fueled by pellets sourced locally or wood from your own backyard, the economic benefits extend beyond immediate savings. The stable costs, coupled with the ability to buy in bulk, position heating stoves as wise investments in both economic and environmental terms. As we navigate a period of financial uncertainty, the choice to embrace heating stoves is not just a commitment to warmth but a strategic move towards financial resilience and environmental responsibility.
For more information on cost savings, please visit a local Forge & Flame dealer or explore tax credit-qualifying units online.
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