How much do chickens cost? How much feed do chickens eat? What do chickens eat, anyway!? All of these are questions I constantly get, and it’s for good reason. When it comes to feeding their chickens, people want to know how much they will have to spend each month.
Before you start keeping chickens, you might want to find out how much it costs. While they really don’t cost much, each person is different.
More than anything, though, it’s important to know how much feed chickens eat in order to prepare your budget accordingly.
For backyard chicken keepers, knowing how long a bag of chicken feed will last is crucial for budgeting and planning The lifespan of a bag of feed depends on several key factors related to your flock and feeding practices. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the variables that determine feed duration and provide tips for maximizing value and minimizing waste
Key Factors That Impact Chicken Feed Duration
Flock Size and Breed
The most obvious one is how many chickens you’re feeding. More chickens consume more feed. Orpingtons, on the other hand, eat more than Leghorns, which are lighter. Bantam chickens consume less than standard-sized chickens. Observe your flock’s daily intake to estimate feed needs.
Age and Life Stage
Chicks and pullets require starter/grower feed formulated for rapid growth. At peak laying age, hens eat layer feed with extra calcium for egg production. Broilers need more protein. The nutritional differences affect daily intake. Chicks seem to eat constantly, while mature chickens eat less.
Feed Type
The feed’s form affects waste – pellets reduce waste versus mash. Also, higher calorie nutrient-dense feeds may require smaller quantities.
Feeding Practices
When animals are free-range and given scraps or treats, they don’t need as much commercial feed. But foraging amounts vary significantly by season and location.
Storage Conditions
Feed that isn’t stored properly can go bad quickly or attract pests. Keep it in a cool, dry, dark place in airtight, rodent-proof containers.
Average Lifespan of a 50 lb Bag
A 50-pound bag of layer feed will last about as long for a small flock of four to six hens in your backyard:
- 2-3 weeks for bantam breeds
- 3-4 weeks for 4-6 standard breeds
- 2-3 weeks for heavier breeds like Orpingtons
However, durations vary based on specific breeds, ages, and supplementing. Larger flocks consume bags quicker. Monitor your flock’s intake and adjust amounts accordingly.
Tips for Maximizing Feed Lifespan
- Choose an appropriate feeder to minimize spillage.
- Avoid overfilling feeders.
- Store feed properly in airtight containers.
- Use older feed first before newer bags.
- Check for signs of spoilage or pests.
- For larger flocks, consider an automatic feeder.
- Provide separate calcium supplements.
- Allow free-ranging and offer garden produce.
- Weigh chickens regularly to assess growth/health.
- Feed good quality feeds as less is required.
- Buy feed in bulk for better value.
When to Toss Out Feed
Discard feed at the first signs of:
- Mold growth
- Foul odors
- Insect infestation
- Significant discoloration
- Caking or clumping
Do not feed chickens expired or spoiled feed. While not necessarily immediately dangerous, nutritional value declines. Always err on the side of caution.
Storing Feed Properly
- Use food-grade plastic/metal bins with tight lids
- Store in a dry area away from moisture
- Keep off the ground to prevent pest access
- Avoid temperature extremes
- Place out of sunlight to maintain freshness
- Use rodent deterrents/traps if needed
- Label bins with purchase dates
Following proper storage methods extends the life of your chicken feed, saving you money. Monitor inventory closely and purchase feed as needed to reduce waste. With some planning and vigilance, you can optimize the lifespan of chicken feed for your flock.
How Much Do Chickens Cost?
There are a few different ways that you can purchase chickens. If you want to learn more about what you’ll need to start raising chickens, read my blog post called 10 Easy Steps to Start Raising Chickens. In the end, though, there is a wide range in how much chickens will cost you when you first start (not counting feed).
The first month will be the most expensive month because you’ll need to buy or build your coop. It will cost between $500 and $1,500 to get six chickens set up. Unless, if course, you’re using recycled materials.
So, really, how much do chickens cost each month?
The cost of a non-gmo eggs at the grocery store are around $6 to $7 a dozen. If you bought 140 dozen of these eggs in one year, you would spend $840. But if you raise your own chickens and use non-gmo feed, you would only spend about $240 to $300 a year in chicken feed. Not a bad trade-off!
It really IS cheaper to raise your own chickens after the initial cost of the chicken coop and set up is over. If you free-range your chickens, you’ll save even more.
HOW LONG Can I Feed 17 CHICKENS on ONE Bag of Feed?
FAQ
How long will a 50 lb bag of chicken feed last?
That means a 50-pound bag contains about 200 daily servings for a single hen. That same bag lasts about 40 days for five chickens—just under six weeks. Mar 4, 2025.
How long is a bag of chicken feed good for?
Feed Freshness When stored properly in dry, moderate temperature conditions, feed can be stored for up to 4 months, although we recommend usage within 60 days in hot, humid summer months and 90 days in cooler months. Always inspect feed prior to use for bugs, mold, or other evidence of damage.
How much feed will 12 chickens eat in a month?
So, depending on the weather outside, a flock of 6 to 12 chickens will drink about a gallon of water every day. Chickens will eat approximately a 1/4 pound of feed per day. With the average weekly total of 1. 5 pounds.
How much feed do 20 chickens need per day?
But there is a simple number that will give you a good place to start: 1/4 of a pound per fully grown chicken per day. This means each chicken will eat approximately 1. 5 pounds of feed in a week.