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A comprehensive quick reference guide for chicken feeding. Use this chart to plan feed purchases, budget for your flock, and ensure your chickens get the right nutrition at every stage of life.
1. Daily Feed by Age & Breed Type
| Age | Stage | Layers (oz/bird/day) | Broilers (oz/bird/day) | Dual-Purpose (oz/bird/day) | Feed Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–1 wk | Chick | 0.25–0.5 oz | 0.3–0.6 oz | 0.25–0.5 oz | Starter (20–24% protein) |
| 1–4 wks | Chick | 0.5–2 oz | 0.75–3 oz | 0.5–2.5 oz | Starter (20–24% protein) |
| 4–8 wks | Pullet/Cockerel | 2–3.5 oz | 3–6 oz | 2.5–4 oz | Grower (16–18% protein) |
| 8–16 wks | Pullet/Cockerel | 3.5–4.5 oz | 6–10 oz | 4–5.5 oz | Developer/Grower (15–16% protein) |
| 16–20 wks | Pre-Lay | 4–5 oz | — | 4.5–5.5 oz | Pre-Lay (16–18% protein, increased calcium) |
| 20+ wks | Adult Layer | 4.5–6 oz | — | 5–6.5 oz | Layer (16–18% protein, 3–4% calcium) |
| 6–8 wks | Broiler (finish) | — | 8–12+ oz | — | Finisher (18–20% protein) |
Note: Feed amounts vary by breed, activity level, temperature, and individual variation. Monitor body condition and adjust accordingly.
2. Feed Types Guide
| Feed Type | Protein % | Calcium % | Best Age | Form | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 20–24% | 1–1.2% | 0–6 weeks | Crumbles | High protein for rapid chick growth |
| Grower/Developer | 15–18% | 1–1.5% | 6–18 weeks | Crumbles/Pellets | Steady growth, bone development |
| Pre-Lay | 16–18% | 2–2.5% | 16–20 weeks | Crumbles/Pellets | Transition to laying, build calcium reserves |
| Layer | 16–18% | 3–4% | 20+ weeks (laying) | Pellets/Crumbles | Egg production, strong eggshells |
| Broiler Starter | 22–24% | 1–1.2% | 0–3 weeks | Crumbles | Maximum early growth for meat birds |
| Broiler Finisher | 18–20% | 1–1.5% | 3–8 weeks | Pellets/Crumbles | Rapid weight gain, efficient feed conversion |
| All-Purpose/Flock Raiser | 16–20% | 1–2% | Mixed flocks | Pellets/Crumbles | Mixed ages/breeds (offer oyster shell separately for layers) |
| Mash | 16–18% | 3–4% | Any age | Powder | Unprocessed feed, can be fermented; most waste |
| Scratch Grains | 8–10% | 0.5% | Treat only | Whole grains | Supplement/treat only — max 10% of diet |
3. Monthly Feed by Flock Size (Adult Layers)
| Flock Size | Daily Feed (lbs) | Weekly Feed (lbs) | Monthly Feed (lbs) | 50-lb Bags/Month | Est. Cost/Month* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 birds | ~1 lb | ~7 lbs | ~30 lbs | 0.6 bags | ~$9–$15 |
| 6 birds | ~2 lbs | ~14 lbs | ~60 lbs | 1.2 bags | ~$18–$30 |
| 10 birds | ~3.1 lbs | ~22 lbs | ~94 lbs | 1.9 bags | ~$28–$47 |
| 15 birds | ~4.7 lbs | ~33 lbs | ~141 lbs | 2.8 bags | ~$42–$71 |
| 20 birds | ~6.3 lbs | ~44 lbs | ~188 lbs | 3.8 bags | ~$56–$94 |
| 25 birds | ~7.8 lbs | ~55 lbs | ~234 lbs | 4.7 bags | ~$70–$117 |
| 50 birds | ~15.6 lbs | ~109 lbs | ~469 lbs | 9.4 bags | ~$141–$235 |
* Based on average 5 oz per bird per day for adult laying hens. Estimated cost based on $15–$25 per 50-lb bag of layer feed. Prices vary by region, brand, and feed type.
4. Seasonal Adjustments
| Season | Consumption Change | Protein Needs | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Hot) | ↓ Decrease by 10–20% | Slightly increase % (birds eat less) |
• Feed early morning and late evening • Provide cool, fresh water at all times • Offer frozen treats sparingly • Reduce scratch grains (less energy needed) • Ensure electrolyte availability during heat waves |
| Winter (Cold) | ↑ Increase by 10–30% | Maintain or slightly increase |
• Increase feed — birds burn more calories staying warm • Offer scratch grains in late afternoon for overnight warmth • Ensure water doesn't freeze (use heater) • Add extra protein during molting • Feed high-energy grains (corn, barley) |
| Spring | → Moderate, increasing | Increase for egg production |
• Transition to layer feed as laying picks up • Offer extra calcium for eggshells • Watch for increased activity = more feed • Introduce fresh greens as available |
| Fall / Molting | ↑ Increase during molt | Increase protein (18–20%) |
• Egg production drops or stops during molt • Increase protein for feather regrowth • Offer high-protein treats (mealworms, sunflower seeds) • Reduce layer feed calcium temporarily if not laying |
5. Common Feeds & Supplements
| Supplement | Purpose | Amount / Frequency | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oyster Shell | Calcium for strong eggshells | Free choice (self-serve) | Laying hens | Offer separately from feed; hens eat what they need |
| Grit (Insoluble) | Aids digestion (grinds food in gizzard) | Free choice | All chickens (especially free-range) | Essential if not on dirt/ground; different sizes for different ages |
| Scratch Grains | Energy supplement, foraging behavior | Max 10% of daily diet | All breeds (treat) | Low protein; too much unbalances diet. Good for winter energy. |
| Mealworms | High protein treat | 1–2 tbsp per bird, 2–3x/week | Molting birds, chicks, training | Great protein boost during molt or for growing chicks |
| Sunflower Seeds | Protein + healthy fats, feather health | 1 tsp per bird/day or as treat | Molting, winter | Black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) are best |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Digestive health, immune support | 1 tbsp per gallon of water, 2–3x/week | All chickens | Use raw, unfiltered ACV with mother; don't use in metal waterers |
| Diatomaceous Earth (DE) | Internal parasite control (controversial) | 5% of feed (food-grade only) | All chickens | Use food-grade DE only; wear mask when handling; evidence is mixed |
| Kelp / Seaweed | Minerals, vitamins, yolk color | 1–2% of feed | Layers, overall health | Rich in iodine and trace minerals; deepens egg yolk color |
| Garlic | Immune support, respiratory health | 1 clove crushed per gallon water, or in feed | All chickens | Antimicrobial properties; may help with respiratory health |
| Greens (lettuce, kale, weeds) | Vitamins, enrichment | Daily, in moderation | All chickens | Great for free-range supplementation; hang up for foraging fun |
6. Feed Storage Guidelines
| Feed Type | Shelf Life (unopened) | Shelf Life (opened) | Storage Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelleted Feed | 4–6 months | 2–3 months |
• Store in cool, dry, dark location • Use airtight metal or plastic containers • Keep off ground to prevent moisture & pests • Pellets hold up better than crumbles/mash |
| Crumbled Feed | 3–4 months | 1–2 months |
• More surface area = faster spoilage • Seal tightly between uses • Buy smaller quantities if you have a small flock • Check for clumping before use |
| Mash Feed | 2–3 months | 3–4 weeks |
• Spoils fastest due to fine particle size • Buy in small quantities • Store in airtight container in cool place • Consider fermenting to extend life and improve nutrition |
| Whole Grains / Scratch | 6–12 months | 3–6 months |
• Store in grain bins or metal trash cans with tight lids • Keep in cool, dry area • Check for weevils or mold periodically • Can freeze for 48 hrs to kill any insect eggs |
| Mealworms (dried) | 6–12 months | 2–3 months |
• Store in airtight container in cool, dark place • Refrigeration extends shelf life • Discard if moldy or rancid smell |
⚠️ Signs of Spoilage
• Musty or moldy smell
• Clumping or caking
• Visible mold growth
• Insect infestation (weevils, mites)
• Discoloration
• Rancid odor
💡 Storage Best Practices
• Rotate stock — first in, first out
• Label containers with purchase date
• Keep feed in original bag inside container
• Elevate off concrete floor
• Use metal containers to deter rodents
• Keep storage area clean
🐭 Pest Prevention
• Use metal bins with locking lids
• Clean up spilled feed immediately
• Store in rodent-proof area
• Don't leave feed out overnight in the coop
• Consider a treadle feeder for daytime only
• Seal holes and entry points