Have you ever found yourself standing in the feed store, staring at rows of chicken feed bags and wondering why the prices vary so much? Maybe you’re just starting your backyard flock journey, or perhaps you’re trying to budget better for your existing chickens. Either way, understanding the cost of chicken feed is essential for managing your poultry expenses.
I’ve raised chickens for years now, and lemme tell you – feed costs can really add up! But don’t worry I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about chicken feed prices in this complete guide.
The Quick Answer: How Much Is a Bag of Chicken Feed?
For those who just want the bottom line:
- Standard 50 lb bag of layer feed: $15-$25
- Broiler/high-protein feed (50 lb): $17-$25
- Organic chicken feed (50 lb): $30-$35+
- Scratch grains (50 lb): $16-$22
This means you’re typically looking at $0.30-$0.70 per pound depending on feed type, with organic options being the most expensive.
Factors That Affect Chicken Feed Prices
Several key factors influence how much you’ll pay for chicken feed:
1. Type of Feed
Different types of chicken feed serve different purposes:
- Layer feed (16% protein): Designed for egg-laying hens
- Broiler feed (20% protein): Higher protein for meat birds
- Starter feed: For baby chicks
- Grower feed: For adolescent chickens
- Scratch grains: Treats rather than complete nutrition
- Organic feed: No GMOs or synthetic pesticides
2. Bag Size
Feed is commonly sold in these sizes:
- 5-10 lb bags (higher cost per pound)
- 25 lb bags
- 40 lb bags
- 50 lb bags (best value per pound)
3. Brand Name
Just like with human food, brand names affect pricing:
- Premium brands cost more
- Store/generic brands cost less
- Specialty brands (organic, non-GMO) command the highest prices
4. Where You Purchase
Prices vary significantly between:
- Tractor Supply and other farm stores
- Feed co-ops (often better bulk pricing)
- Online retailers (convenience but shipping costs)
- Local feed mills (sometimes best value)
Chicken Feed Cost Breakdown by Type
Let’s look at each feed type in more detail
Layer Feed
Layer feed typically costs between $15-$20 for a 50 lb bag, or about $030-$040 per pound. This is your standard egg-layer chicken food with around 16% protein content. It’s fortified with extra calcium to support healthy eggshell production.
At Tractor Supply and similar retailers, you’ll find both conventional and organic options. Organic layer feeds will cost significantly more – often $10-15 more per bag than conventional.
Broiler Feed
Broiler feed runs slightly higher at $17-$25 for a 50 lb bag ($0.34-$0.50 per pound). The higher protein content (usually 20%+) makes it more expensive but helps meat birds grow faster and develop more muscle.
Organic Chicken Feed
If you want to go the organic route, be prepared to pay a premium. Organic feeds typically cost $30-$35+ for a 50 lb bag, or $0.60-$0.70+ per pound. While pricey, these feeds contain grains grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and no GMO ingredients.
Tractor Supply carries several organic options, including those that meet strict organic certification guidelines.
Scratch Grains
Scratch grains (a mix of cracked corn, wheat, and other grains) cost around $16-$22 for a 50 lb bag ($0.32-$0.44 per pound). These aren’t nutritionally complete but make good treats.
How Long Will a Bag of Feed Last?
Understanding how long a bag lasts helps budget your chicken expenses:
- 5 chickens: A 50 lb bag lasts about 4-5 weeks
- 10 chickens: A 50 lb bag lasts about 2-3 weeks
- 1-2 chickens: A 50 lb bag could last 6-7 weeks
The math works out because:
- Average chickens eat 1/4 to 1/3 pound of feed daily
- That’s roughly 2-2.5 pounds per chicken per week
- A flock of 5 chickens consumes approximately 10-12.5 pounds weekly
Monthly & Yearly Chicken Feed Costs
Let’s calculate what you might spend annually:
For 5 Chickens (Layer Feed)
- Monthly cost: ~$21 (two 50 lb bags)
- Yearly cost: ~$250 (25 bags)
For 10 Chickens (Layer Feed)
- Monthly cost: ~$42 (four 50 lb bags)
- Yearly cost: ~$500 (50 bags)
For 2 Chickens (Organic Feed)
- Monthly cost: ~$16 (one 50 lb bag)
- Yearly cost: ~$190 (12 bags)
Daily Cost Per Chicken
On a daily basis, you’re looking at:
- Standard feed: $0.15-$0.20 per chicken per day
- Organic feed: $0.25-$0.30 per chicken per day
Over a year, that’s around $18-$36 per chicken for standard feed, or $30-$50 for organic feed.
Ways to Save Money on Chicken Feed
I’ve found several effective strategies to reduce feed costs:
1. Buy in Bulk
Many feed stores offer discounts when you purchase multiple bags at once (often 10% or more). If you have storage space, this is a no-brainer.
2. Watch for Sales
Tractor Supply and other farm stores regularly run sales on chicken feed. Stock up during these events! I’ve seen prices drop by $3-5 per bag during promotions.
3. Compare Brands
Sometimes store brands have nearly identical ingredients to name brands at a much lower price. Always check the nutrition label!
4. Reduce Waste
Use quality feeders that prevent scratching and spillage. Some of my favorites are:
- Hanging feeders with catch trays
- Treadle feeders (birds step on a platform to access food)
- PVC pipe feeders (cheap and effective DIY option)
5. Supplement with Scraps and Foraging
My chickens get lots of kitchen scraps and garden trimmings, which reduces their feed consumption. Free-ranging also helps them find insects and plants to eat.
Is Raising Chickens Worth the Feed Cost?
When people ask me if chicken keeping is worth it financially, I always say it depends on your goals:
-
For eggs: A chicken eating $0.20 of feed daily might produce 5 eggs weekly. If comparable organic, free-range eggs cost $5-6 per dozen, you’re still coming out ahead.
-
For meat: The feed conversion ratio makes it less economical than commercial meat, but the quality and knowing how your birds were raised offers value beyond price.
-
For enjoyment: My chickens provide entertainment, pest control, and garden fertilizer – all benefits beyond just eggs and meat!
Chicken Feed Calculator
To estimate your own costs, you can use this simple formula:
(Number of chickens) × (Avg daily feed per chicken in lbs) × (Cost per lb) × (7 days) = Weekly costFor example:
- 5 chickens
- 0.3 lbs daily feed per chicken
- $0.35 per lb feed cost
- 5 × 0.3 × $0.35 × 7 = $3.68 weekly
Where to Buy Chicken Feed
Tractor Supply
Tractor Supply is one of the most popular places to buy chicken feed, offering:
- Wide variety of types (layer, grower, starter, organic)
- Multiple brands
- Regular sales and promotions
- Loyalty programs
They carry feeds for all poultry types including chickens, ducks, turkeys, and more.
Local Feed Mills
Don’t overlook local options! I’ve found some of the best deals at small-town feed mills where they:
- Mix fresh feed
- Often use locally sourced ingredients
- May offer custom blends
- Sometimes deliver for free if you buy enough
Online Options
If you don’t have local stores nearby, online retailers ship feed, though shipping costs can be substantial due to weight.
Common Questions About Chicken Feed Costs
How much cheaper is it to make your own chicken feed?
I’ve experimented with making my own feed, and while it can save money (sometimes 20-30%), it takes time and requires sourcing multiple ingredients. Plus, ensuring proper nutrition becomes your responsibility.
Is organic chicken feed worth the extra cost?
This depends on your priorities. If you’re raising chickens specifically to avoid conventional agriculture practices, then yes. For purely economic reasons, probably not – conventional feed is significantly cheaper.
Can I feed my chickens just scratch grains?
No! Scratch is like chicken candy – treats only. They need balanced nutrition from complete feeds to stay healthy and productive.
Why has chicken feed gotten so expensive?
Feed prices fluctuate with grain markets, fuel costs, and supply chain issues. In recent years, we’ve seen higher prices due to:
- Increased grain costs
- Transportation/fuel costs
- Higher demand for backyard chicken supplies
- Packaging cost increases
Final Thoughts
Chicken keeping definitely requires an investment, with feed being the largest recurring expense. A standard 50 lb bag of chicken feed currently costs between $15-$25, while premium and organic options can run $30-$35+.
For my flock of 6 chickens, I budget about $25-30 monthly for feed, which I consider reasonable for the fresh eggs, entertainment, and connection to where my food comes from.
Remember that prices vary significantly by location, season, and retailer, so always shop around for the best deals. And don’t forget – bulk purchasing almost always saves money in the long run if you’ve got the storage space!
Have you found creative ways to reduce your chicken feed costs? I’d love to hear your strategies in the comments below!
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How Much is 14 Pound of Chicken Feed for Starter Feed?
As well as adult chicken feed, you will probably buy grower feed and starter feed. When looking at starter feed, each chick will consume around 2.63 lbs of feed in the first six weeks.
If continuing the starter feed to 8 weeks (as I would suggest), this will increase to 3.84 lbs before moving up to grower feed.
A 14 lb bag of starter chicken feed per three chickens will be more than enough. You can expect to get this for an estimated $2.
Alternatively, you could look at an organic 40 lb starter feed bag, which will cost about $42 for an organic version.
The good news is that any leftover chicken feed from the starter bags can be mixed into the subsequent grower feed. So, you won’t waste food or money.