How Much Does Chicken Feed Cost Per Month?

Understanding your chicken feed cost per month is one of the first things any backyard flock owner needs to nail down before buying chicks or taking on more birds. Feed is by far the largest ongoing expense in a backyard chicken operation, and the numbers vary widely depending on how many birds you keep, what you feed them, and whether your hens have access to pasture or supplemental food sources.

This guide breaks down the real numbers — per hen, per flock, and per bag — so you can budget accurately and find ways to keep costs manageable without compromising your hens’ health or egg production.

How Much Does a Chicken Eat Per Day?

The foundation of any feed cost estimate is knowing how much a chicken actually eats. A standard-sized laying hen consumes approximately 1/4 pound (about 113 grams) of feed per day. Larger breeds like Jersey Giants or Brahmas may eat closer to 1/3 pound, while smaller bantam breeds may eat as little as 1/8 pound.

Over the course of a month (30 days), a single hen eats roughly 7.5 pounds of feed. That figure becomes your baseline for any cost calculation. With six hens, you’re looking at 45 pounds of feed per month — almost exactly one standard 50-lb bag. With a dozen hens, plan on two bags monthly.

Keep in mind that feed consumption increases in cold weather as birds burn more calories keeping warm, and decreases slightly in summer when they graze and forage more actively. Hens that are molting or recovering from stress also tend to eat more, since protein is being diverted toward feather regrowth.

Average Chicken Feed Cost Per Month by Flock Size

Using a mid-range price of $22 for a 50-lb bag of layer feed, here’s what monthly feed costs look like across common flock sizes:

• 2 hens: ~15 lbs of feed per month / roughly $6–$8
• 4 hens: ~30 lbs of feed per month / roughly $13–$16
• 6 hens: ~45 lbs of feed per month / roughly $18–$22
• 10 hens: ~75 lbs of feed per month / roughly $30–$36
• 15 hens: ~112 lbs of feed per month / roughly $45–$55
• 25 hens: ~187 lbs of feed per month / roughly $75–$90

These figures assume conventional layer pellets or crumbles and no significant supplementation. If you’re supplementing heavily with scraps or free-ranging, subtract 20–30%. If you’re feeding organic or non-GMO feed, expect to add 50–80% to each of those estimates.

Types of Chicken Feed and Their Costs

Not all chicken feed is priced equally, and the type of feed you choose has a significant impact on monthly costs. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories:

Conventional Layer Pellets or Crumbles are the most affordable and widely available option. Brands like Purina Layena typically run $18–$28 for a 50-lb bag. Purina Layena is a well-rounded layer feed with 16% protein, added calcium for shell quality, and a track record of consistent performance across millions of backyard flocks.

Organic Layer Feed is made without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and is Non-GMO Project Verified. Prices typically range from $35–$55 for a 50-lb bag. If organic inputs are a priority for you, budget accordingly — it roughly doubles your monthly feed costs.

Whole Grain or Scratch Blends should not serve as a complete diet. Scratch is a treat, not a staple, and its lower protein content (around 8–9%) means using it as a primary feed will hurt egg production. Keep scratch to no more than 10% of the daily diet.

Fermented Feed is conventional feed that has been soaked and fermented over 2–3 days. Fermenting increases nutrient bioavailability and reduces the amount chickens need to eat by 20–30%, making it a practical cost-cutting strategy for dedicated keepers.

For a solid overview of feed types and what to look for on labels, see our guide to best chicken feed for laying hens.

Hidden Costs Beyond the Feed Bag

Feed costs don’t stop at the bag. There are several supplements and additions that responsible flock owners factor into their monthly budget:

Calcium Supplement (Oyster Shell): Laying hens need supplemental calcium to produce strong-shelled eggs. Crushed oyster shell is the standard supplement, offered free-choice in a separate container. A 5-lb bag costs around $5–$8 and lasts a small flock of six hens about 1–2 months.

Protein Treats: Dried mealworms are a high-protein supplement that flock owners use during molt or as training treats. A 5-lb bag runs $20–$35 but lasts considerably longer since mealworms are fed sparingly — a small handful per day for a flock of six is plenty.

Grit: Chickens that aren’t free-ranging on natural soil need insoluble grit to help grind food in their gizzard. A bag of poultry grit runs $5–$10 and lasts for months.

Adding these supplemental costs to your monthly budget adds roughly $5–$15 for a small flock, depending on what you offer and how often.

How to Reduce Your Monthly Chicken Feed Bill

Feed is a fixed cost to some degree, but there are several practical strategies that can meaningfully cut expenses without sacrificing flock health:

Free-Range or Rotate Pasture: Hens that have access to grass, bugs, and weeds can meet 20–30% of their nutritional needs through foraging, especially in spring and summer. Even a few hours of daily supervised free-ranging adds up over a month.

Feed Kitchen Scraps Strategically: Vegetables, cooked grains, fruit (in moderation), and leftover plain rice or pasta are all good options. Avoid anything salty, moldy, or from the nightshade family. The more nutritious your scraps, the more you can offset commercial feed use. See our article on what to feed backyard chickens for a full approved food list.

Store Feed Properly: Feed that gets wet or exposed to pests goes to waste fast. Keep bags in a sealed metal or heavy-duty plastic container to prevent moisture, rodents, and insects from getting in. Wasted feed is wasted money.

Buy in Bulk: If you have the storage space, buying 3–4 bags at once often saves $1–$3 per bag at feed stores. Check for loyalty programs or co-op buying groups in your area.

Ferment Your Feed: As mentioned above, fermenting stretches your feed budget. Birds typically eat 20–30% less fermented feed because the fermentation process makes nutrients more available. You’ll need a food-grade bucket and a few days of patience, but the method pays for itself quickly.

Grow Fodder: Sprouting barley, wheat, or sunflower seeds is low-cost and produces a high-nutrition green that hens love. It won’t replace commercial feed, but it provides fresh greens year-round even in winter.

Does Egg Production Affect the Cost Equation?

Many backyard flock owners calculate a cost-per-egg figure to determine whether home-grown eggs are actually saving money. At a feed cost of $22/month for six hens and an average egg count of 4–5 eggs per day (roughly 120–150 eggs per month), the feed cost works out to roughly $0.15–$0.18 per egg — competitive with midrange store eggs, and well below the cost of pasture-raised or organic eggs at the grocery store.

That math improves significantly during peak laying season and declines in winter when production drops. Understanding the seasonal rhythm of your flock is critical to calculating an accurate annual cost-per-egg. Our article on when chickens start laying eggs covers the production timeline in detail.

Keep in mind that this feed-only calculation doesn’t include bedding, coop costs, veterinary care, or time. But for flock owners who are already set up and asking strictly about feed costs, the numbers compare favorably to store-bought alternatives — especially when factoring in egg quality.

Annual Feed Cost Summary

To wrap up the numbers, here’s a quick annual view based on flock size and conventional layer feed at roughly $22 per 50-lb bag:

• 4 hens: ~$160–$190 per year in feed
• 6 hens: ~$240–$280 per year in feed
• 10 hens: ~$360–$430 per year in feed
• 15 hens: ~$540–$650 per year in feed

Add 10–15% for supplements and you have a realistic annual operating budget for feed-related expenses. If you’re new to keeping chickens and want a broader picture of startup and ongoing costs, start with our backyard chickens for beginners guide.

Recommended Products

• Purina Layena Layer Pellets — A complete, balanced layer feed with 16% protein and added marigold extract for rich yolk color. One of the most consistent and widely available options for backyard flocks.
• Crushed Oyster Shell Calcium Supplement — Essential for strong eggshells. Offered free-choice separately from feed so hens self-regulate intake based on need.
• Dried Mealworms — A high-protein treat ideal for use during molt or as a training reward. Feed sparingly — a small handful daily is enough for most small flocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to feed one chicken per month?

A single laying hen eats about 7–8 pounds of feed per month. At $22 for a 50-lb bag, that works out to roughly $3–$4 per hen per month in feed costs alone. Add a small amount for oyster shell and grit and you’re looking at $4–$5 total per hen per month.

Is it cheaper to mix your own chicken feed?

Mixing your own feed from whole grains and protein supplements can be slightly cheaper than premium commercial feed, but it requires careful attention to protein percentages, calcium ratios, and vitamin supplementation. For most backyard flock owners, a quality commercial layer feed is more reliable and not significantly more expensive when you factor in time and sourcing costs.

How long does a 50-lb bag of chicken feed last?

A 50-lb bag of feed lasts approximately one month for a flock of six standard-sized laying hens. For four hens, it stretches to about six weeks. For ten hens, expect to go through a bag in about three weeks.

Does the time of year affect how much chickens eat?

Yes. Chickens eat more in winter because they burn extra calories staying warm. In summer, free-ranging birds supplement their diet with insects and vegetation, which can reduce commercial feed consumption by 20–30%. Budget slightly higher in November through February for most climates.

Can I save money by growing my own chicken feed?

You can supplement with home-grown fodder crops like barley sprouts, sunflower seeds, kale, and comfrey — but growing a complete, nutritionally balanced feed supply requires significant land and planning. Most small-scale keepers find it practical to grow 10–20% of their flock’s diet at home and purchase the rest.

Related Articles

• Best Chicken Feed for Laying Hens
• What to Feed Backyard Chickens
• When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?
• Backyard Chickens for Beginners