Chicken Feed Calculator

A standard laying hen eats about 1/4 pound (4 ounces) of feed per day. Heavy breeds eat more (up to 1/3 pound), while bantams eat less (about 2.5 ounces). This amounts to roughly 1.5-2 pounds per week per bird.

Yes, free-range chickens can reduce their feed consumption by 10-25% by foraging for insects, seeds, and plants. However, they should still have access to complete feed to ensure proper nutrition, especially laying hens that need consistent calcium.

Laying hens need supplemental calcium through oyster shell offered free-choice. All chickens need grit (if not free-ranging) to grind food in their gizzard. Fresh, clean water is essential at all times. Scratch grains can be offered as a treat but should be less than 10% of the diet.