Raising backyard chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience However, providing proper care and nutrition is essential to keep your flock healthy and productive One of the most common questions new chicken owners have is how much feed their chickens need each day. In this article, we’ll break down the key factors that determine daily feed requirements and provide guidelines for how much to feed chickens per day.
Key Factors That Determine Chicken Feed Requirements
Several variables impact how much feed a chicken needs including
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Age Baby chicks and adolescent pullets have different nutritional needs than mature laying hens Chicks require starter feed, while layers need feed formulated specifically for egg production
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Breed: Some breeds like Plymouth Rocks tend to be larger and require more feed than smaller breeds such as Leghorns.
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Egg production: Heavy laying hens consume more feed than chickens not actively laying eggs.
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Weather: Chickens eat more in cold weather to generate body heat. Hot summer months can suppress appetite.
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Free-range: Chickens that free-range typically require less feed because they also eat bugs, grass, and plants.
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Individual health/metabolism: Illness, molting, and high activity levels all increase food consumption.
With all these factors at play, feed requirements will vary chicken to chicken. However, we can look at general guidelines based on age.
Feed Requirements by Age
Here are the average daily feed requirements for chickens:
Baby Chicks (1-8 weeks)
- Feed type: Chick starter feed with 20% protein minimum
- Amount per chick: Approx. 1⁄4 pound (4 tbsp) per day
Pullets (8-18 weeks)
- Feed type: Pullet grower with 16-17% protein
- Amount per pullet: Approx. 1⁄3 pound (5 tbsp) per day
Laying Hens (18 weeks+)
- Feed type: Layer feed with 16-18% protein
- Amount per hen: Approx. 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 pound (4-8 tbsp) per day
Note: Lower end of the range for confined hens, higher end for free-range
Meat/Broiler Chickens
- Feed type: Broiler feed with 21-23% protein
- Amount per broiler: Unlimited access; consume approx. 2 lbs per week
As a general rule of thumb, plan for 1/4 to 1/2 pound of feed per mature chicken per day. Adjust amounts based on your specific flock and observations of appetite and body condition. It’s better to slightly underfeed than overfeed.
Feeders for Supplying Chicken Feed
To make feeding your flock easy, invest in well-designed feeders:
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Chick feeders: Use narrow, chick-sized feeders the first 4-6 weeks so delicate chicks don’t get stuck.
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Trough feeders: Long open trough feeders allow mature chickens to eat together.
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Tube feeders: Enclosed tube feeders help minimize waste for adult birds.
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Hanging feeders: Hanging feeders are a good option for keeping feed clean and reducing waste.
Allow minimum 3 inches of feeder space per chicken. Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold and caking.
Developing a Feeding Schedule
Establishing a daily feeding schedule helps ensure chickens get adequate nutrition. Here are some tips:
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Feed chicks 4-6 smaller meals during daylight hours their first few weeks.
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Transition chicks and pullets to 2-3 feedings per day once they’re 2 months old.
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Feed laying hens early morning and evening to promote feeding after egg laying.
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Try filling feeders in late afternoon so chickens can eat into the evening.
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Avoid leaving feed out overnight, as it attracts rodents and moisture.
Monitor if your chickens are consuming feed within a reasonable time. Leftover stale feed could signal reduced appetite or overfeeding. Adjust amounts accordingly.
Best Practices for Feeding Your Flock
Follow these tips for optimal nutrition:
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Provide free-choice insoluble granite grit to aid digestion.
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Ensure access to clean, fresh water at all times.
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To supplement diet, offer leafy greens, vegetable scraps, herbs, crushed oyster shells, etc.
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Introduce new feeds gradually over 7-10 days to allow adjustment.
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Store feed in galvanized metal or rodent-proof bins to prevent mold, bacteria, and pests.
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Check feed bags for expiration dates and use within 6 weeks of opening.
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Keep feed away from moisture, dirt, and chicken coop litter to avoid contamination.
Monitoring consumption, avoid overfeeding, and ensure feed quality will go a long way towards having healthy, productive chickens!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much feed does a chicken need per day on average?
On average, plan for 1/4 to 1/2 pound of feed per mature chicken per day. Chicks and pullets under 18 weeks need approx. 1/4 pound or less.
Do chickens know when to stop eating?
Yes, if fed a balanced diet chickens have the ability to self-regulate feed intake when allowed to free feed. Limit feed if seeing weight gains.
Should chickens have unlimited access to feed?
Continuous access can be acceptable for some flocks, but scheduled feedings are recommended to discourage overeating.
What are signs a chicken is not eating enough?
Signs of malnutrition include low energy, poor feathering, pale combs/wattles, reduced egg production, weight loss, and eating coop litter.
How can I get my flock to eat more?
Increase palatability by mixing in yogurt, cottage cheese, oats, rice, warm water, or high-protein feed. Avoid forcing chickens to eat.
Providing your chickens with the proper daily amount of nutritious feed is crucial to keeping your flock healthy and productive. Follow these guidelines on feed types, amounts, access, and best practices. With a little monitoring and adjustment as needed, you can ensure your chickens are getting all the feed they require to thrive.
How Much Feed Do Baby Chicks Eat?
Knowing how much to feed chickens varies depending on a lot of factors, but when it comes to feeding chicks, the process is a little more intricate. Chicks need the right amount of food and nourishment to grow properly.
The answer to how much you should feed your young chickens varies as the chicks grow older. For the first eight weeks, your chicks will eat around one to two ounces of feed a day — that’s about three-quarters of a pound to one whole pound a week.
An important thing to know is that chicks grow quickly and food should always be available for them, as growing chicks do not get fat when fed the proper food. For the first 12 to 15 weeks of their life, you can feed your chicks our 20% Organic Chick Starter / Grower Crumbles.
How Much to Feed Chickens Each Day
Since every breed and every flock is different, it will take some time and observation to figure out your ideal amount of daily chicken feed. However, there is a simple figure to provide you with a solid starting point: 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.
This amount will vary based on the age and size of your birds. The best way to determine your flock’s needs is by checking the feeders after they eat their fill. Just note whether any feed is left and adjust the amount up or down the next day. As a rule, it’s better to provide too much feed than too little, as the wasted product is preferable to undernourished chickens.