How it works
A standard laying hen eats about a quarter pound (4 oz) of feed a day, roughly 7–8 lb a month. Bantams eat about half that. Weather, molt, free-ranging and treats all move the number, so treat the result as a budget, not a rule.
How to use it
Enter your birds by group, your bag size and price. Add eggs per day to see what each dozen really costs you in feed.
Reference chart
| Bird | Feed per day | Feed type |
|---|---|---|
| Laying hen | about 0.25 lb (4 oz) | Layer, 16% protein |
| Bantam | about 0.14 lb | Layer |
| Pullet (8–18 wk) | about 0.2 lb | Grower |
| Chick (0–8 wk) | about 0.08 lb | Starter |
Frequently asked questions
How much feed does a chicken eat per day?
About a quarter pound (4 ounces) for a standard laying hen, a little more in cold weather and less when free-ranging.
How long does a 50 lb bag of feed last?
For 6 hens, a 50 lb bag lasts about a month (50 ÷ 1.5 lb a day ≈ 33 days).
What does it cost to feed a chicken?
At $22 for a 50 lb bag, one hen costs roughly $3–4 a month in feed. Use the calculator with your local price.
Should roosters eat layer feed?
Layer feed has extra calcium for eggshells. Many keepers feed an all-flock ration with oyster shell on the side when roosters or young birds share the feeder.
Figures are typical values from university extension guidance (sources and method). Estimates only. Individual animals vary — confirm pregnancy and health questions with your veterinarian.