Monthly Feed
50 lbs
Bags/Month
2
Monthly Cost
$36
Monthly Feed Required
50
pounds per month
Daily (per bird)
0.280 lbs
Daily (total)
1.68 lbs
50-lb Bags/Month
2
Monthly Cost
$36
Inputs
Result
Six laying hens eat 0.28 lbs each per day = 1.68 lbs/day total. Monthly: 1.68 × 30 = 50.4 lbs, requiring 1 bag of 50-lb feed at $18.
Inputs
Result
Twelve broilers eat 0.33 lbs/day × 1.12 (winter) = 0.37 lbs/bird/day. Total: 4.44 lbs/day × 30 = 133 lbs, needing 3 bags at $20 each.
Inputs
Result
Eight bantam layers eat 0.17 lbs each per day = 1.36 lbs total. Monthly: 1.36 × 30 = 40.8 lbs ≈ 41 lbs, fitting in one 50-lb bag.
A standard laying hen eats about 0.25-0.33 pounds (4-5 ounces) of feed per day. Bantams eat less at 0.15-0.20 lbs/day, while broilers eat more at 0.33-0.50 lbs/day. This translates to roughly 1.5-2 lbs per bird per week for layers.
| Breed Type | Daily Feed | Weekly Feed | Monthly Feed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Layer | 0.28 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 8.4 lbs |
| Bantam | 0.17 lbs | 1.2 lbs | 5.1 lbs |
| Broiler | 0.33 lbs | 2.3 lbs | 9.9 lbs |
| Dual-Purpose | 0.30 lbs | 2.1 lbs | 9.0 lbs |
For a flock of 6 standard layers, expect to spend $18-25 per month on feed at typical feed store prices of $16-20 per 50-lb bag. Annual costs run $200-300 for a small backyard flock, with winter months slightly higher due to increased consumption.
Laying hens need supplemental oyster shell (4-5 grams per day) for calcium to form strong eggshells. All chickens need grit (small stones) to grind food in their gizzard. Offer both free-choice in separate containers so birds can self-regulate intake.
Chickens need different feed formulations at each life stage. Chicks (0-8 weeks) need starter with 20-22% protein, pullets (8-18 weeks) need grower with 16-18% protein, and layers need layer feed with 16% protein plus added calcium for egg production.
Yes, chickens eat 10-15% more feed in winter because they burn extra calories to maintain body temperature. In cold climates, provide scratch grains as a late-afternoon snack — the digestion process generates heat that helps chickens stay warm overnight.
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
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