Poultry Feed Calculator
Calculate daily and total feed requirements for poultry flocks by bird type and age. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Total Daily Feed = Feed Per Bird/Day × Number of Birds
Feed consumption per bird varies by type and age. Layers eat ~0.25 lbs/day at peak production. Broilers eat ~0.33 lbs/day during finishing. Feed is divided into phases: Starter (high protein, young birds), Grower (moderate protein), and Layer/Finisher (adjusted for production). Monthly cost = Total daily feed × 30 × price per pound.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Small Backyard Layer Flock
Problem: Calculate weekly feed needs and cost for 12 laying hens at 24 weeks old, with feed priced at $0.28 per pound.
Solution: Bird type: Layer, Age: 24 weeks (Layer phase)\nDaily feed per bird: 0.25 lbs (4 oz)\nTotal daily feed: 0.25 × 12 = 3.0 lbs\nWeekly feed: 3.0 × 7 = 21.0 lbs\nMonthly feed: 3.0 × 30 = 90.0 lbs\nDaily cost: 3.0 × $0.28 = $0.84\nWeekly cost: $0.84 × 7 = $5.88\nMonthly cost: $0.84 × 30 = $25.20\n50-lb bags per month: 2
Result: Weekly feed: 21 lbs ($5.88) | Monthly: 90 lbs ($25.20)
Example 2: Commercial Broiler Batch
Problem: Calculate daily feed for 500 broiler chickens at 5 weeks old, with feed priced at $0.22 per pound.
Solution: Bird type: Broiler, Age: 5 weeks (Grower phase)\nDaily feed per bird: 0.18 lbs (2.9 oz)\nTotal daily feed: 0.18 × 500 = 90.0 lbs\nWeekly feed: 90.0 × 7 = 630.0 lbs\nMonthly feed: 90.0 × 30 = 2,700.0 lbs\nDaily cost: 90.0 × $0.22 = $19.80\nWeekly cost: $19.80 × 7 = $138.60\nMonthly cost: $19.80 × 30 = $594.00\n50-lb bags per month: 54
Result: Weekly feed: 630 lbs ($138.60) | Monthly: 2,700 lbs ($594.00)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much feed does a chicken eat per day?
The amount of feed a chicken eats per day varies significantly based on the bird type, age, and purpose. Adult laying hens typically consume about one-quarter pound (4 ounces or approximately 113 grams) of feed per day, which equals roughly 1.75 pounds per week per bird. Broiler chickens raised for meat are heavier eaters, consuming up to one-third pound per day during their finishing phase, which is ages six to eight weeks. Chicks in their first few weeks eat much less, starting at about half an ounce per day and gradually increasing. Dual-purpose breeds fall between layers and broilers in consumption. Environmental factors affect feed intake as well — chickens eat more in cold weather to maintain body heat and less during extreme heat. Free-range birds with access to pasture may eat 10 to 20 percent less commercial feed due to foraging.
What type of feed should I use for different ages?
Poultry feed is formulated in phases to match the nutritional needs at each growth stage. Starter feed contains the highest protein level, typically 20 to 24 percent, and is fed to chicks from hatch to about six to eight weeks. It often comes in crumble form for easy consumption by small beaks. Grower feed contains 16 to 18 percent protein and is fed from approximately eight to eighteen weeks, supporting steady growth without the excess protein that can cause kidney issues. Layer feed contains 16 percent protein with added calcium, typically 3.5 to 4 percent, for strong eggshell production, and is fed once birds begin laying at around 18 to 20 weeks. Broiler birds use a finisher feed with 18 to 20 percent protein from six weeks to processing. Never feed layer feed to non-laying birds as the high calcium can damage their kidneys.
How do I calculate feed cost for my flock?
To calculate feed cost, multiply the daily feed consumption per bird by the number of birds in your flock to get total daily feed needs. Then multiply by the price per pound of feed. For example, 25 laying hens eating 0.25 pounds per day each equals 6.25 pounds daily total. At a feed price of 0.30 dollars per pound, daily cost is 1.88 dollars, weekly cost is 13.13 dollars, and monthly cost is approximately 56.25 dollars. To calculate cost per dozen eggs, divide your monthly feed cost by monthly egg production. For 25 hens at 75 percent lay rate, monthly production is about 47 dozen, making the feed cost per dozen approximately 1.20 dollars. Always factor in seasonal variations as feed prices fluctuate throughout the year, and remember that bulk purchasing in larger bags typically reduces per-pound costs by 15 to 25 percent.
How can I reduce feed waste and costs?
Feed waste is one of the biggest controllable expenses in poultry production, with some estimates suggesting up to 30 percent of feed can be wasted with poor management. Use properly designed feeders that minimize billing out, where chickens flick feed with their beaks. Trough feeders should be filled only two-thirds full to prevent spillage. Hanging tube feeders set at the height of the birds' backs reduce waste significantly compared to ground-level feeders. Store feed in sealed containers to prevent moisture damage, mold growth, and rodent contamination. Consider fermenting or sprouting grains, which can reduce feed consumption by 10 to 15 percent while improving nutrient absorption. Allow free-ranging when possible, as birds will supplement their diet with insects, seeds, and greens. Feeding at consistent times twice daily rather than free-choice feeding can also reduce waste and improve feed conversion.
What is feed conversion ratio and why does it matter?
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) measures the efficiency with which animals convert feed into body weight or eggs. It is calculated by dividing the total feed consumed by the weight gained (for meat birds) or by eggs produced (for layers). For modern broiler chickens, a typical FCR is 1.6 to 2.0, meaning the bird eats 1.6 to 2.0 pounds of feed for every pound of body weight gained. For layers, FCR is typically expressed per dozen eggs, with efficient flocks achieving 3.5 to 4.0 pounds of feed per dozen eggs. A lower FCR indicates better efficiency and lower production costs. Factors affecting FCR include genetics, feed quality, water availability, temperature, disease, and stress levels. Monitoring FCR helps identify problems early — a sudden increase in FCR often indicates a health issue, feed quality problem, or environmental stressor that needs attention.
What formula does Poultry Feed Calculator use?
The formula used is described in the Formula section on this page. It is based on widely accepted standards in the relevant field. If you need a specific reference or citation, the References section provides links to authoritative sources.