I went into sticker shock too, when layer pellets went to $15.99 a 50lb bag. Starter (20%) is about $14.49 for 50lbs.
I started make my own layer feed a couple months ago. We crop farm, so the corn and oats don\'t cost me anyththing. However, even adding in market rate for them it costs me about $7 a 50lb bag for layer. Mine consists of corn, oats, soybean meal, poultry conditioner, black oil sunflower seeds, and some oyster shell. I\'m in the process of playing around with it abit, but so far so good! Birds seem to like it so far and everyone appears healthy and shiny.
Need to try working on a starter recipe next, starter is killing me right now!