The cost to feed chickens typically ranges from $15 to $30 per 50-pound bag of feed, depending on the type and quality of feed chosen.
Feeding chickens is one of the biggest ongoing expenses for poultry owners. Whether you’re raising backyard layers or meat birds, understanding feed costs helps budget effectively. This guide breaks down all factors affecting chicken feed expenses.
Average Chicken Feed Costs
Most chicken owners spend $15-$30 per month per chicken on feed. Annual costs range from $180-$360 per bird. A flock of 6 chickens typically costs $220-$440 annually for feed alone.
| Feed Type | Cost per 50lb Bag | Monthly Cost per Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Crumbles | $15-$18 | $5-$8 |
| Layer Pellets | $15-$30 | $10-$15 |
| Organic Feed | $30-$50 | $20-$30 |
Factors Affecting Feed Costs
1. Chicken Age and Type
Different life stages require specific feeds:
- Chicks (0-8 weeks): 9-10 lbs starter feed ($5-$8/month)
- Pullets (8-20 weeks): 4-5 lbs grower feed ($8-$12/month)
- Laying hens: 5-6 lbs layer feed ($15-$25/month)
- Meat birds: 8-10 lbs high-protein feed ($20-$30/month)
2. Free-Range vs Confined
Free-range chickens forage 20-30% of their diet, reducing feed costs by $5-$10 monthly per bird. Learn more about how far free-range chickens roam to optimize your setup.
3. Seasonal Variations
Chickens eat 10-15% more in winter to stay warm. Summer heat may decrease appetite but increase water needs.
Types of Chicken Feed
1. Commercial Feeds
- Starter/Grower: 18-20% protein for young birds
- Layer: 16% protein with calcium for egg production
- Broiler: 20-24% protein for meat birds
- All-Flock: Versatile option for mixed flocks
2. Supplemental Feeding
Reduce costs with:
- Kitchen scraps (avoid citrus, onions, avocado)
- Garden surplus
- Fermented grains
- Black soldier fly larvae
Calculating Your Feed Needs
Use this formula to estimate annual feed requirements:
(Number of chickens) × (lbs feed per month) × 12 = Annual feed needs
Example for 6 laying hens:
6 chickens × 5 lbs × 12 months = 360 lbs annually (7-8 bags)
Ways to Reduce Feed Costs
1. Bulk Purchasing
Buying feed by the ton (40-50 bags) can save 15-20%. Store properly in metal containers to prevent pests.
2. Alternative Housing
Mobile chicken tractors provide fresh forage daily. See our guide on coop sizing for 10 chickens to optimize space.
3. Fermenting Feed
Fermentation increases nutrient absorption, reducing needed quantities by 10-15%.
Additional Nutritional Costs
Budget for these supplements:
- Grit: $5-$10 annually (learn when to provide grit)
- Oyster shell: $10-$15 annually
- Probiotics: $20-$40 annually
- Treats: $20-$50 annually
Comparing Store-Bought vs Homegrown Eggs
While initial setup costs for chickens are higher, homegrown eggs become cost-effective over time:
| Cost Factor | Store Eggs | Homegrown Eggs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost (6 hens) | $300-$500 | $220-$440 |
| Egg Quality | Commercial grade | Farm-fresh |
| Additional Benefits | None | Pest control, fertilizer |
For more chicken care tips, check out Backyard Chickens or My Pet Chicken for expert advice.