As a chicken owner, I know that feed costs can really add up Over the years, I’ve learned that buying in bulk is one of the smartest ways to save money while ensuring your flock gets quality nutrition But finding the right places to buy bulk chicken feed can be tricky! That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best bulk feed options for your feathered friends.
Why Buy Chicken Feed in Bulk?
Before we dive into where to buy, let’s talk about why bulk purchasing makes so much sense:
- Major cost savings – You can save up to 75% compared to buying small bags
- Fewer trips to the store – Less hassle and time spent shopping
- Reduced packaging waste – More environmentally friendly
- Consistent supply – Never run out during bad weather or emergencies
Now let’s explore the best places to buy bulk chicken feed!
Top 3 Places to Buy Bulk Chicken Feed Online
1. Mile Four – Premium Organic Bulk Chicken Feed
Mile Four has become one of my favorite sources for bulk organic chicken feed They offer full pallets (1909 lbs) or quarter pallets (460 lbs) with nationwide delivery or local pickup in Minneapolis
What I love about Mile Four:
- Variety of feed types: Layer, Grower, Starter, and Broiler feeds
- Multiple formulations: Mash, Pellet, and Whole Grain options
- 100% organic ingredients
- Excellent shelf life: One year when stored properly
- Flexible ordering: Can mix different varieties on a pallet
Mile Four’s prices start at $1,009.99 for a full pallet of layer mash, which works out to significant savings compared to buying individual bags. Their customer reviews are outstanding, with buyers noting healthier flocks and better egg production.
One customer named Nicole mentioned that “buying this bulk chicken feed has been a great decision. The quality is top-notch, and it has significantly reduced my costs.”
2. Leland Mills – Affordable Bulk Feeds for Every Farm Size
Leland Mills offers high-quality, affordable animal feeds in bulk quantities for backyard chicken keepers and medium-sized farms alike.
What makes Leland Mills special:
- Wide variety of poultry feeds: Options for layers, broilers, chicks, and game birds
- Multiple protein levels: From 14% up to 30% protein options
- Best-selling products: Their 18% Protein Layer Mash and Gallo Pro are customer favorites
- Local delivery options: Available in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and nationwide shipping
- Excellent customer service: Consistently positive reviews
Their best-selling 18% Protein Layer Mash starts at just $16.50, and customers rave about the quality. One reviewer named Amber Meyer said, “I am a believer! This has made my hens start laying eggs again. Thank you for starting your delivery service too!”
3. Taylor Family Farm – Non-GMO Feed Options
If you’re looking specifically for non-GMO options, Taylor Family Farm in Tennessee offers excellent bulk chicken feed choices.
Taylor Family Farm highlights:
- 100% Non-GMO feeds
- No added hormones, antibiotics, or medications
- Locally made in Tennessee
- Size options: 300 lb or 2000 lb quantities
- Convenient delivery drop points in Nashville area and Columbia, TN
Their Non-GMO Chick Starter/Broiler Feed is approximately 20% protein and costs $113 for a 300 lb option. Their ingredients include non-GMO corn, roasted non-GMO soybeans, expeller pressed non-GMO soybean meal, oats, Fertrell Poultry Nutri Balancer, fish meal, and calcium.
One happy customer, Alice Godfrey, called it the “Best chick starter in the world! My chicks are super healthy and happy.”
Local Feed Mills and Farm Supply Stores
While online ordering is convenient, don’t overlook local options! Here are some advantages of buying locally:
- Lower shipping costs (or none at all)
- Fresh feed with recent manufacturing dates
- Support for local businesses
- Build relationships with knowledgeable staff
- Opportunity to inspect feed quality before purchasing
Finding Local Feed Mills
To find local feed mills in your area:
- Search “feed mill near me” or “bulk chicken feed [your city]”
- Ask other chicken keepers in local Facebook groups or forums
- Check with your county extension office
- Visit farmer’s markets and ask vendors who raise poultry
- Contact local 4-H or FFA chapters
Agricultural Co-ops: Another Great Option
Agricultural cooperatives often offer members discounted prices on bulk feed. Many allow non-members to purchase as well, though usually at slightly higher prices.
Benefits of buying from ag co-ops:
- Member discounts
- Dividend returns for members based on purchases
- Seasonal sales and promotions
- Additional farming supplies available
- Community knowledge and support
Types of Bulk Chicken Feed Available
When buying in bulk, you’ll need to choose the right type of feed for your flock’s needs:
By Age/Purpose
- Starter Feed (for chicks up to 8 weeks) – Higher protein (20-24%)
- Grower Feed (8-20 weeks) – Moderate protein (16-18%)
- Layer Feed (laying hens) – Calcium-fortified for egg production (16-18% protein)
- Broiler Feed (meat birds) – High protein for rapid growth (20-24%)
By Form
- Mash – Finely ground mixture that reduces waste
- Pellets – Compressed feed that’s less messy
- Crumbles – Broken-down pellets, easier for some birds to eat
- Whole Grain – Less processed option with recognizable ingredients
By Production Method
- Conventional – Most affordable option
- Non-GMO – Free from genetically modified ingredients
- Organic – No synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs
Storage Considerations for Bulk Chicken Feed
Buying in bulk means you’ll need proper storage! Here’s what you need to know:
Storage Containers
- Food-grade plastic barrels (available from suppliers like Taylor Family Farm for $25)
- Galvanized metal trash cans
- Feed bins or hoppers
- 55-gallon food-grade plastic drums
Storage Tips
- Keep feed in a cool, dry, dark place
- Ensure containers are rodent-proof
- Rotate stock to use oldest feed first
- Label containers with feed type and purchase date
- Most feeds have a 12-month shelf life when stored properly
Cost Comparison: Bulk vs. Bag Feed
Let’s break down the potential savings when buying in bulk:
| Purchase Method | Approximate Cost Per Pound | Cost for 500 lbs | Annual Cost (2,000 lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 lb bags retail | $0.40-0.60 | $200-300 | $800-1,200 |
| 460 lb quarter pallet | $0.30-0.40 | $138-184 | $600-800 |
| 1909 lb full pallet | $0.25-0.35 | $125-175 | $500-700 |
| 2000 lb bulk order | $0.20-0.30 | $100-150 | $400-600 |
As you can see, the savings are substantial! For a small flock of 10 hens consuming about 2,000 pounds annually, you could save $200-600 per year by buying in bulk.
Delivery Options and Considerations
When ordering bulk feed, delivery logistics are important:
Mile Four Delivery Details
- Nationwide shipping with rates calculated based on location
- Lift gate service available for an additional fee
- Minneapolis local pickup option for significant savings
- Delivery times range from 1-14 days
Leland Mills Delivery
- Local delivery in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming regions
- Nationwide shipping options available
- Store pickup in Spanish Fork, UT
Taylor Family Farm Delivery
- Nashville area deliveries on Thursdays and Fridays
- Columbia, TN deliveries on Tuesdays
- Local pickup at the farm (Tuesday-Thursday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm)
Sharing Bulk Orders with Neighbors
Can’t use a full ton of feed yourself? Consider these options:
- Split orders with neighbors – Organize a group buy
- Start a chicken feed co-op in your community
- Calculate how long the feed will last your flock before ordering
- Check if partial pallet options are available (like Mile Four’s quarter pallets)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much feed will my chickens need?
A typical laying hen eats about 1/4 pound of feed per day, so:
- 10 hens = about 2.5 pounds daily or 912 pounds annually
- 20 hens = about 5 pounds daily or 1,825 pounds annually
- 50 hens = about 12.5 pounds daily or 4,562 pounds annually
How long will bulk feed stay fresh?
Most properly stored feeds maintain quality for up to 12 months. Mile Four specifically mentions their organic feed has a one-year shelf life when stored in a cool, dry, dark, and rodent-resistant place.
Can I mix different types of feed in one order?
Yes! Mile Four specifically mentions that with their full pallet option, you can “build your own full pallet of four separate varieties of feed.” This flexibility is great for keeping different age groups of chickens properly fed.
Is organic feed worth the extra cost?
This depends on your priorities. Organic feed like Mile Four’s guarantees no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. Many customers report healthier birds and better egg quality, but the cost is higher than conventional feed.
Conclusion
Buying chicken feed in bulk is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make as a poultry keeper. With options like Mile Four’s organic feed pallets, Leland Mills’ variety of poultry feeds, and Taylor Family Farm’s non-GMO options, there’s something for every flock size and feeding philosophy.
I’ve personally saved hundreds of dollars each year since switching to bulk feed purchasing, and my chickens are healthier than ever! The initial investment might seem large, but the per-pound savings add up quickly.
Remember to calculate your flock’s needs, ensure proper storage, and consider splitting large orders with neighbors if needed. Your wallet (and your chickens) will thank you!
Have you tried buying chicken feed in bulk? What’s been your experience? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear about it!
Option 2: Tonnage Pick Up in Bags
Alternatively, you can pick up your feed in bags by the ton at our manufacturing headquarters in West. You’ll start saving money on every bag of feed after buying only 40 bags (one ton). The more you buy, the more you save as our tonnage discounts increase!
Simply contact us 4 to 7 days in advance to ensure feed availability and schedule a pick-up. For a small additional charge, we can shrink-wrap your feed on a pallet so it is secure in transport and protected from the weather.
Please fill out the form below to contact us. One of our friendly and helpful team members will get back to you shortly.
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Option 1: Bulk Feed Delivery
To save the most money (and make things as easy as possible), you can purchase select feeds in bulk, unbagged, and have it delivered straight to you. Bulk feed delivery is available when purchasing a minimum of 18–22 tons of bulk feed. (Minimum requirements are based on your location.)
With this service, our professional drivers deliver the feed directly to your location, safely and on your schedule. Our bulk feed delivery service is available in much of Texas, covering approximately a 250-mile radius from our Central Texas headquarters located in West, Texas.
To receive bulk feed deliveries, the roadway leading to your bulk storage tanks must be clear of overhead obstructions so our semi-truck and trailer can reach the tanks and turn around safely.