Chicken Feed Calculator
Estimate how much feed your flock requires and calculate your monthly costs.
Chicks (0-8 weeks) – 0.1 lbs/day
Growers (8-20 weeks) – 0.2 lbs/day
Layer Hens (Active) – 0.25 lbs/day
Large Breeds (Jersey Giants, etc) – 0.33 lbs/day
Bantams/Small Breeds – 0.15 lbs/day
Total Feed Required:
0 lbs
Bags to Purchase:
0 bags
Estimated Cost:
$0.00
Daily Cost per Bird:
$0.00
How Much Feed Does a Chicken Eat?
Maintaining a healthy flock requires a solid understanding of their nutritional needs. On average, a standard adult laying hen will consume approximately 1/4 pound (0.25 lbs) of feed per day. This adds up to roughly 1.75 pounds per week or about 7.5 pounds per month per chicken.
However, feed consumption isn't a "one size fits all" metric. Several factors can influence how much your chickens eat, including their breed, the outdoor temperature, and whether they are currently molting or laying eggs.
Feed Requirements by Life Stage
- Chicks (Starter): Young chicks eat significantly less, starting at just a few grams and reaching about 0.1 lbs per day by week 8.
- Growers: During the rapid growth phase (8-20 weeks), consumption increases to roughly 0.2 lbs per day.
- Layers: Once they reach maturity and begin laying eggs, they need consistent nutrients (especially calcium), averaging 0.25 lbs per day.
- Heavy Breeds: Larger chickens like Brahmas or Jersey Giants may require up to 0.35 lbs of feed daily to maintain their body mass.
Calculating Your Feed Budget
To calculate your flock's needs, use this formula: (Number of Chickens × Daily Consumption × Days) + Waste Factor = Total Feed Needed.
Example Calculation: If you have 12 laying hens for 30 days:
- 12 hens × 0.25 lbs = 3 lbs per day
- 3 lbs × 30 days = 90 lbs of feed
- With 10% waste: 90 lbs + 9 lbs = 99 lbs total
- Total bags (50lb): 2 bags
Tips to Reduce Feed Waste
Feed is often the largest expense for poultry owners. You can reduce costs by:
- Using Waste-Proof Feeders: Choose "no-waste" port feeders or treadle feeders that prevent chickens from scratching the grain onto the ground.
- Pest Control: Rodents and wild birds can steal a significant portion of your flock's feed if it is left in open troughs.
- Fermenting Feed: Fermenting your chicken feed can improve digestibility and satiety, often reducing the amount of dry feed consumed by up to 20%.
- Supplementing with Forage: Allowing chickens to free-range or providing garden scraps can naturally reduce their reliance on commercial pellets.