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.
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.