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FurCalc

Chicken Feed Calculator — Daily, Monthly & Yearly Flock Needs

Calculate how much feed your flock needs per day, month or season. Supports layers, broilers and mixed flocks.

Calculator

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Feed needed for 30 days
50lb · 2 bags
Daily: 1.7 lb · Per bird: 0.28 lb/day
Feed consumption varies with temperature — birds eat ~20 % more in winter. Free-range birds consume 10-20 % less pellet feed due to foraging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much feed does a chicken eat per day?

Laying hens: 0.25–0.33 lb (~1/4 cup) per day. Broilers: 0.5–0.8 lb daily. Chicks (0-6 weeks): gradually increase from 0.05 to 0.2 lb. Consumption rises 20 % in cold weather.

How much feed do I need for 6 chickens?

6 layers eat ~1.7 lb daily = ~50 lb per month (one standard feed bag). For a year, plan on 600 lb (12 bags) per 6-hen flock.

When do I switch from starter to grower to layer feed?

Chick starter (20-22 % protein): 0-6 weeks. Grower (18 % protein): 6-18/20 weeks. Layer (16-18 % protein + calcium): 18/20 weeks onward (when hens start laying).

Should I feed chickens scratch grains?

Scratch (corn, oats) should be a treat only — 10 % max of diet. Too much dilutes nutrition and reduces egg quality. Use scratch to encourage foraging activity and warmth in winter.

How much grit do chickens need?

Free-choice insoluble grit is essential for grinding food in the gizzard. One 5 lb bag lasts 10 hens ~3 months. Oyster shell is separate (only for layers, for calcium).

Sources & References

  1. [1]
    Backyard Chicken Feeding Basics — Poultry Extension
  2. [2]
    Feeding Chickens — University of Maine — University of Maine Extension
  3. [3]

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Feeding layer pellets to pullets under 16 weeks — excess calcium damages developing kidneys.
  • Same feed year-round — layers on a break (molt) need higher-protein grower formula.
  • Free-feeding scratch grains — scratch is a treat (<10% diet), not a complete feed.

Pro tips

  • Feed cost is largest variable — buy 50-lb bags when possible (saves 20-30% vs small bags).
  • Ferment feed in water 2-3 days before serving — improves digestion, cuts consumption by 10-15%.
  • Provide free-choice oyster shell grit separately for laying hens.