How to use the chicken feed calculator
- Count your birds.
- Pick the bird type and age group.
- Read the daily and weekly feed, the bags you need and the water guide.
How it is worked out
- Daily feed in kg = birds x grams per bird per day / 1000
- Weekly feed = daily x 7
- 25 kg bags a week = weekly feed / 25, rounded up
- Water is roughly twice the feed weight, more in hot weather
Feed per bird per day, and for a flock of 20
| Bird type and age | Grams per bird a day | Flock of 20 a day | Flock of 20 a week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer chick, 0 to 8 weeks | 30 | 0.6 kg | 4.2 kg |
| Layer grower, 8 to 18 weeks | 70 | 1.4 kg | 9.8 kg |
| Adult layer | 115 | 2.3 kg | 16.1 kg |
| Broiler chick, 0 to 3 weeks | 25 | 0.5 kg | 3.5 kg |
| Broiler grower, 3 to 6 weeks | 80 | 1.6 kg | 11.2 kg |
| Broiler finisher, over 6 weeks | 150 | 3.0 kg | 21.0 kg |
| Dual purpose chick, 0 to 8 weeks | 30 | 0.6 kg | 4.2 kg |
| Dual purpose grower, 8 to 18 weeks | 75 | 1.5 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Adult dual purpose bird | 120 | 2.4 kg | 16.8 kg |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a laying hen eat a day?
About 115 grams of layer feed a day, a little more in cold weather and when laying hard.
How much water do chickens need?
Roughly twice the weight of their feed, so about 230 ml a day for a laying hen. In hot weather it can double. Always keep clean water available.
Why do broilers eat so much more?
Broilers are bred to grow very fast, so finishers can eat around 150 grams a day.
Does this include scraps and grazing?
No. The figures are for complete feed. If your birds free range or get scraps, they may eat a little less, but keep complete feed as the main diet.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for planning only. They are not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own animal's health, diet and weight.