Chicken Feed Calculator
Calculate daily, monthly, and annual feed needs for your flock.
Enter number of chickens, age group, and feed price for a complete feed budget.
Understanding Chicken Feed Consumption
Chickens are surprisingly efficient eaters — they eat what their bodies require and stop. Unlike dogs or pigs, chickens are not prone to overeating. This makes feed consumption fairly predictable once you know the age and type of your birds. Daily feed consumption varies significantly by age, purpose, weather, and breed size.
Feed by Life Stage
Young chicks from hatch to 8 weeks of age are fed chick starter, a high-protein (18–20% protein) crumble designed to support rapid growth. Chicks eat approximately 1–2 ounces (28–56 grams) per bird per day in this stage. Pullets from 8 to 20 weeks are transitioned to grower feed (16–18% protein) as their growth slows. Feed consumption increases to approximately 3–4 ounces (85–115 grams) per pullet per day. Laying hens (20+ weeks) eat the most, approximately 4–6 ounces (115–170 grams) of layer pellets per day. Layer pellets contain 15–17% protein plus added calcium to support strong eggshell formation.
Factors That Affect Consumption
Cold weather increases feed consumption because chickens burn more calories to maintain body temperature. In winter, expect consumption to increase by 10–15% compared to summer. Free-ranging chickens supplement their diet with insects, seeds, and vegetation — which can reduce feed consumption by 20–30%. Larger breeds like Jersey Giants eat more than bantam breeds. This calculator uses averages suitable for standard-size production or dual-purpose breeds.
Feed Storage
Buy only what you can use within 6–8 weeks. Stored feed degrades in nutritional value and can develop mold. Keep feed in sealed, rodent-proof metal bins in a cool, dry location. Never feed moldy or wet feed — mycotoxins from mold can kill chickens quickly.
Grit and Calcium Supplements
Laying hens also need oyster shell calcium offered free-choice — this is separate from their regular feed. All chickens need insoluble grit (granite or flint) to grind their food in the gizzard, especially if not free-ranging on natural ground.