Chicken Feed Calculator
Enter your flock size and feed price to estimate monthly feed use and cost.
Feed per day1.5 lb
Feed per month45.7 lb
Bags per month0.91
Cost per month$18.20
Rule of thumb
A standard hen eats about 1/4 lb of layer feed per day, roughly 1.5 lbs/week per bird.
Poultry feed by bird type
A quarter pound a day is the layer figure. Other poultry eat at different rates, and the feed itself changes with age and purpose, so match both:
- Laying hens — about 0.25 lb (110 g) a day of 16% layer feed.
- Chicks, 0–8 weeks — roughly 0.05–0.10 lb a day of 18–20% starter crumb.
- Pullets, 8–18 weeks — about 0.15–0.20 lb a day of grower feed, switching to layer only at point of lay.
- Meat birds (broilers) — far more, and rising weekly; the broiler feed calculator handles their growth curve.
- Ducks — roughly 0.3–0.35 lb a day, noticeably more than a hen, and they waste more of it in water.
Free-ranging birds may take 10–20% less bagged feed in summer and none of the difference in winter. Cold weather pushes intake up, since birds burn feed to stay warm.
This page covers feed only, month by month. To buy a whole year at once, use the yearly feed calculator. For the full cost of keeping a flock, including bedding, grit and sundries, see what chickens cost per month, and for first-year setup the startup cost calculator.
How we calculate it
Feed per day = hens × 0.25 lb. Per month = day × 30.44. Bags per month = month ÷ bag weight. Cost = bags × price.
Based on:
- A laying hen eats roughly 1/4 to 1/3 lb of feed per day (Mississippi State Extension)
- Intake varies with bird size, weather, and productivity (University of Minnesota Extension)
- Feeding and nutrition guidance for backyard layers (UGA Extension)
Figures are typical guidelines for planning. Your birds, breed, climate, and feed will vary.
Frequently asked questions
How much feed does a chicken eat per day?
A standard laying hen eats about 1/4 pound (roughly 4 oz or 110 g) of layer feed per day, or about 1.5 pounds per week.
How much does it cost to feed chickens?
At typical prices, feeding one hen costs roughly $3–5 per month. A flock of 6 usually runs $18–30 per month depending on feed quality and treats.
How long does a 50 lb bag of feed last?
A 50 lb bag lasts about 6–7 weeks for 6 standard hens (roughly 1.5 lbs/day for the flock). Larger or free-ranging flocks vary.