Understanding Chicken Feed Requirements
Providing the right amount of feed is essential for maintaining healthy chickens and optimizing egg or meat production. Feed requirements vary based on several factors including age, breed, purpose, and environmental conditions.
Types of Chicken Feed
- Starter Feed (0-8 weeks): High in protein (20-24%) to support rapid growth in chicks
- Grower Feed (8-18 weeks): Moderate protein (16-18%) for continued development
- Layer Feed (18+ weeks): Balanced protein (16-18%) with added calcium for egg production
- Finisher Feed: For meat birds in the final weeks before processing
- All-Purpose Feed: General feed suitable for mixed flocks
Factors Affecting Feed Consumption
- Age: Younger birds require more protein and eat proportionally more for their size
- Breed Size: Larger breeds require more feed than smaller breeds
- Purpose: Laying hens have different nutritional needs than meat birds
- Activity Level: Free-range chickens may consume less commercial feed as they forage
- Season: Chickens typically eat more in colder weather to maintain body temperature
- Production Stage: Actively laying hens require more calcium and overall nutrition
Average Daily Feed Consumption
| Age/Type |
Small Breeds |
Medium Breeds |
Large Breeds |
| Chicks (0-4 weeks) |
0.5-0.7 oz (14-20g) |
0.7-1.0 oz (20-28g) |
1.0-1.2 oz (28-34g) |
| Growers (8-18 weeks) |
1.5-2.0 oz (43-57g) |
2.0-3.0 oz (57-85g) |
3.0-4.0 oz (85-113g) |
| Adult Layers |
2.5-3.5 oz (71-99g) |
4.0-5.0 oz (113-142g) |
5.0-7.0 oz (142-198g) |
| Broilers (Meat Birds) |
3.0-4.0 oz (85-113g) |
5.0-6.0 oz (142-170g) |
6.0-8.0 oz (170-227g) |
Feeding Best Practices
Feeding Methods
- Free Choice: Feed is always available for chickens to eat as desired
- Restricted Feeding: Feed is provided at specific times in measured amounts
- Combination: Restricted feeding with supplemental free-choice options
Feed Storage
- Store feed in airtight, rodent-proof containers
- Keep feed in a cool, dry place to prevent mold
- Use oldest feed first (FIFO - First In, First Out)
- Check for and remove any moldy or spoiled feed
Supplemental Feeding
- Grit: Helps chickens digest food (essential for free-range birds)
- Oyster Shell: Provides calcium for egg-laying hens
- Kitchen Scraps: Can supplement commercial feed (avoid toxic foods)
- Scratch Grains: A treat that encourages natural scratching behavior
- Mealworms/Insects: High-protein treats that mimic natural foraging
Feeding Equipment
- Provide enough feeder space (3-4 inches per bird)
- Position feeders at back height to reduce waste
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent disease
- Consider covered feeders to keep feed dry and reduce pests
Common Feeding Mistakes
- Providing the wrong type of feed for the chicken's age or purpose
- Overfeeding treats, which can unbalance nutrition
- Not adjusting feed amounts seasonally
- Failing to provide adequate calcium for laying hens
- Allowing feed to become moldy or contaminated
- Not providing enough feeder space, causing competition
- Sudden changes in feed type without transition
- Ignoring water requirements (water intake directly affects feed consumption)
Why Use This Calculator
Our Chicken Feed Calculator helps you:
- Estimate feed requirements based on your specific flock characteristics
- Plan feed purchases and storage needs
- Budget for feed expenses over different time periods
- Adjust feeding practices based on season and chicken activity levels
- Compare feed requirements across different chicken types and ages
Important Note
This calculator provides estimates based on average consumption rates. Individual chickens may eat more or less depending on factors like health, genetics, and environmental conditions. Always monitor your flock's condition and adjust feeding accordingly.