Tell it how many birds you keep and how old they are. You'll get how much they eat a day, a week and a month, how long a bag lasts, how many bags to buy, and what it costs.
Hens, chicks, bantams, roosters and ducksPounds or kilosMonthly cost per bird
Weather
Feeder
Units
Everything stays on your device. Nothing is sent or saved.
Log feed purchases in Flockwell and see your feed spend each month, per species, next to the eggs they lay. Set a reminder to reorder before the bin is empty.
A laying hen of a standard breed eats about a quarter of a pound (about 115 g) of feed a day. Bigger breeds eat a bit more, bantams about half. These are typical amounts for complete feed, not counting treats.
Bird
Per day
Per week
Per month
They eat more when
It's cold: up to about 10% more to keep warm
They're laying well or regrowing feathers after a molt
Feed spills or rats get into it
They eat less when
It's hot: often 10% or more less, so keep water cool and plentiful
They free-range on good pasture
They fill up on treats and scraps
Treats
Keep treats and scraps to about a tenth of what they eat
Too many treats dilute protein and calcium, and laying drops
Scatter scratch grains in the afternoon, not instead of feed
Which feed at which age
Age
Feed
Protein
Notes
0 to 8 weeks
Chick starter
18 to 20%
Crumbles; medicated or not, as you prefer
8 to 18 weeks
Grower
15 to 16%
Less protein and no extra calcium; some use a starter-grower all the way
From the first egg (about 18 to 22 weeks)
Layer
16 to 18%
Extra calcium for shells; offer oyster shell on the side too
Mixed flock or molting
All-flock
18 to 20%
Good for roosters, ducks and molting hens; add oyster shell for layers
Feed needs vary by breed, climate and feed brand. Follow the guidance on your feed bag where it differs. Meat birds (broilers) eat far more and aren't covered here.
Questions
How much feed does a chicken eat a day?
A standard-size laying hen eats about 1/4 lb (around 115 g) of complete feed a day. Heavy breeds such as Orpingtons and Brahmas eat a little more, and bantams about half as much.
How long does a 50 lb bag of feed last?
For 6 standard hens eating about 1/4 lb each a day, a 50 lb bag lasts roughly 30 days, a little less if some feed is spilled. Use the calculator above for your own flock.
How much feed does a chicken eat in a year?
A standard laying hen eats about 90 lb (around 40 kg) of feed a year, more in cold winters and if feed is wasted.
Should I leave feed out all day?
Most keepers do: chickens eat little and often through the day. Use a covered or treadle feeder and bring feed in at night if rats or wild birds are a problem.
How much do ducks eat?
An adult duck eats more than a hen, roughly 6 to 7 oz (about 180 g) of feed a day, and needs plenty of water to wash it down.
