Chicken Feed Calculator

The Chicken Feed Calculator estimates total feed needed based on flock size, age, and feeding duration. This tool helps poultry farmers and backyard keepers budget accurately and maintain proper nutrition for their birds. Whether you are planning for new chicks, managing a laying flock, or calculating monthly costs, this resource simplifies inventory management.

Enter the total number of chickens in your flock
Age affects feed consumption rates
How many days you need to calculate feed for
Optional: Enter average weight for more precise calculation

How Total Feed Needed Is Calculated

Total Feed Needed represents the specific weight of food required to sustain your flock for a set period without shortage or waste. We use a standard calculation method that accounts for the biological changes chickens undergo as they grow.

  1. Estimate daily intake by analyzing the bird's age and weight, as older, heavier birds consume significantly more than chicks.
  2. Adjust for housing type, since free-range birds often supplement their diet with forage compared to confined birds.
  3. Multiply the adjusted daily intake by the total number of chickens and the number of days in the feeding duration.

What Your Total Feed Needed Means

This figure tells you exactly how many pounds of feed to purchase to keep your flock healthy and productive. It helps you translate biological needs into a tangible shopping list or storage plan.

Raising Chicks (0-8 Weeks)

For new chicks, feed needs start small but grow weekly. You should expect to purchase about 10 to 12 pounds of starter feed per chick during their first two months to ensure strong bone development.

Maintaining a Laying Flock

Adult hens require consistent nutrition for egg production. Plan for approximately 0.25 to 0.33 pounds of feed per hen daily. For a flock of 20 hens, you will need roughly 150 to 180 pounds of layer feed per month.

Seasonal Adjustments

In winter, birds consume more energy to stay warm. Increase your estimated total by 10-20% during the coldest months to prevent weight loss and maintain egg output.

Important Note

Watch for feed waste. If your actual usage is significantly higher than calculated, check your feeders for spills or pests like rats, which can steal food and skew your inventory needs.

This tool provides estimates for planning and educational purposes only. Actual consumption varies based on specific breed characteristics, bird health, and local environmental conditions. For specific nutritional or medical concerns, please consult a qualified poultry veterinarian.

Check your feed storage bins weekly to compare actual usage against your calculation and adjust your future orders accordingly.