Raising chickens can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Waking up to farm-fresh eggs, enjoying chemical-free meat, and having adorable feathered friends are just a few of the benefits However, properly feeding your flock does require some investment So, how much does chicken food really cost?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down the costs associated with feeding chickens. including
- Key factors that influence chicken feed prices
- Understanding different types of chicken feed and their costs
- Estimating the daily and weekly feed costs per chicken
- Strategies to save money on feed
What Impacts the Cost of Chicken Feed?
Several variables influence the price of chicken feed. Here are some of the most significant factors:
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Ingredient costs The prices of corn, soybeans, and other grains used in feed fluctuate based on crop yields, demand, and global markets This directly impacts chicken feed costs
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Feed type: Formulations are different for chicks (higher protein) versus laying hens. Specialty feeds cost more.
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Organic vs. conventional: Organic certified feeds come at a premium price due to stringent sourcing and processing standards.
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Brand and retailer: Established brands charge more because of marketing and research costs. Where you buy also impacts price.
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Location: Transportation expenses mean feed from local mills is often cheaper than feed trucked long distances.
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Bag size: Bulk purchases in 40+ lb bags can save significantly per pound compared to smaller portions.
Chicken Feed Types and Estimated Costs
There are feeds designed for specific phases of a chicken’s life:
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Starter feed: High protein (20-24%) for rapid growth of chicks. Costs more.
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Grower feed: Lower protein (16-18%) for juvenile chickens.
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Layer feed: Formulated for laying hens with nutrients for egg production.
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Broiler feed: Focused on weight gain for meat birds.
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Scratch grains: A treat, not complete feed. Cheaper option.
Here are average costs for each feed type per 50 lb bag:
| Feed Type | Protein Content | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | 20-24% | $25 – $35 |
| Grower | 16-18% | $20 – $30 |
| Layer | 16% | $22 – $32 |
| Broiler | 20-22% | $23 – $33 |
| Scratch Grains | N/A | $15 – $25 |
*Prices vary based on brand, retailer, and location.
Estimating Feed Cost Per Chicken
On average, one chicken eats 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound of feed daily. This equals about 2-2.5 pounds per week.
For a backyard flock of 5 chickens, expect 10-12.5 pounds of feed per week. Monitor consumption and adjust as needed.
Feed Cost Per Chicken Per Week
- 5 chickens
- Consuming layer feed
- At $0.30 per pound
- Eating 10 pounds per week
Total feed cost = $3 per week
Divided by 5 chickens = $0.60 per chicken weekly
Daily Chicken Feed Cost
- 1 chicken
- Eating 1⁄4 pound layer feed
- At $0.30 per pound
1⁄4 pound x $0.30 = $0.075 per day
So approx. $0.15 per chicken daily
Over one year, feeding a single chicken costs roughly $18 to $36 depending on feed type.
Ways to Save on Chicken Feed Costs
Here are some tips to lower feed costs:
- Buy larger quantities in bulk when possible
- Supplement with kitchen scraps and foraging
- Consider fermented feed to increase nutritional availability
- Prevent waste with proper storage methods
- Grow your own corn, sunflowers or soybeans for feed
- Allow pasture access for natural foraging
While feeding chickens does come with costs, many find it’s worth it for the rewards. Monitoring consumption, buying bulk when available, and supplementing natural sources can help keep your flock fed while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to buy eggs per year?
The average cost for Large, Grade A Eggs is $6.85 (March 2025.) The average American eats 279 eggs per year. A family of 4 will consume 1,116 eggs per year on average.
Here is the cost breakdown of how much the average American family of 4 spends on eggs each year:
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Does the recently increased price of eggs have you asking if its cheaper to buy eggs or raise your own backyard chicken flock? Egg prices are soaring due to the Avian Flu outbreak, which is not yet under control in the U.S. This is leading more and more folks like yourself to consider if its time to start keeping a small backyard chicken flock.
Owning a small backyard chicken flock can be rewarding, provide food security and offer a superior egg. Raising chickens for eggs continues to become more popular in backyard suburban areas and is no longer limited to farmers and rural residents.
Here are some top things to consider when comparing the cost of buying eggs or raising chickens.
Chicken Feed for Half the Cost? | Buy Chicken Feed Here
FAQ
How long will a 50 lb bag of chicken feed last?
How much does chicken food cost on average?
Feed: $20 to $50 per month – Chickens require a balanced diet for optimal egg production. A 50lb bag of chicken feed can cost as little as $15 or $20, but many popular brands average $50. A 50lb bag should last a small flock for a few weeks.Feb 21, 2024
Is it cheaper to raise chickens or buy eggs?
Is it expensive to maintain chickens?
Food and maintenance costs
The cost of chicken feed is around $20-$50 a month, depending on the number of chickens you have and type of feed you purchase. To cut this cost down, you can supplement food scraps from your kitchen such as fruits and vegetables.
How much does chicken feed cost?
So you can expect to pay roughly $0.05 to $0.10 per chicken for daily feed costs depending on feed type. Over the course of a year, total feed costs for one chicken would be an estimated $18 to $36. Raising chickens in your backyard does require an investment in high-quality feed.
How much does a chicken eat a year?
On average, a single backyard pet chicken will eat 91 pounds of feed per year. A flock of 6 chickens will eat almost 550 pounds of feed annually. A 50-pound bag of chicken feed costs $20 on average. Feeding 6 chickens annually will cost about $220.
How much do chickens cost?
Chicks: Expect to pay around $4 to $30 for each chick. Toys: Optional, but they can enhance your chickens’ well-being (budget around $30). 2. Monthly Expenses For a Flock Of 8-10 Chickens: Bedding: Roughly $15 per month for new materials and fresh changes. Food: Feed costs vary based on the number of chickens and your price.
How much does a 50 pound bag of chicken feed cost?
The Purina website also states that a 50-pound bag of chicken feed will last one chicken for about 33 weeks. (You can find a 50-pound bag of chicken feed at your local Tractor Supply for around twenty bucks. Prices online are usually higher, about $40 to $50 for 50 pounds. But either way – it’s dirt cheap.) How Much Does It Cost to Feed Chickens?
How much does organic chicken feed cost?
In general, you can get a 50 pound bag of regular chicken feed for about $12 – $15. Non-GMO organic chicken feed will run you about $30 per bag for 50 pounds. So, you can see that feeding chickens organically will about double your cost of feed. However, there are definite advantages to feeding organic, despite the cost.
How much does it cost to raise a chicken?
Over the course of a year, total feed costs for one chicken would be an estimated $18 to $36. Raising chickens in your backyard does require an investment in high-quality feed. However, many find the small daily costs worthwhile for an endless supply of fresh eggs and meat.