How Much Does a Bag of Chicken Feed Cost? A Complete Breakdown

Raising backyard chickens has become an increasingly popular hobby and food source for many homeowners. Fresh eggs and homegrown meat are just a few of the benefits. However, properly caring for a flock does require some investment, especially when it comes to providing high-quality feed. So how much can you expect to pay for a bag of chicken feed? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Factors That Impact Cost

Several key factors impact the cost of a bag of chicken feed:

• Type of feed: Layer feed, broiler feed, organic, non-GMO, etc. Each has a different nutritional profile and price point.

• Bag weight Feed is usually sold in bags ranging from 5 lbs up to 50 lbs Buying in bulk brings down the per pound price

• Brand Premium brand name feeds are more expensive than store brands or farm brands.

• Where it’s purchased: Feed prices can vary between farm stores, co-ops, online, big box stores, etc. Shopping around helps find the best deal.

Taking these things into account, let’s look at how much a standard 50-pound bag of chicken feed costs on average.

Average Cost for a 50 lb Bag of Feed

Most chicken owners say they pay between $15 and $25 for a standard 50-pound bag of feed, depending on the type. Here are some more specifics:

• Layer feed (16% protein): $15 – $20 for 50 lbs

• Broiler feed (20% protein): $17 – $25 for 50 lbs

• Organic feed: $30 – $35+ for 50 lbs

• Scratch grains: $16 – $22 for 50 lbs

Within that range, you’ll usually find the best prices on generic layer feeds and the highest prices for premium organic options. It pays to shop around and buy in bulk whenever possible. Many farm stores offer 10% bulk discounts on multiple bags.

Cost Per Pound of Chicken Feed

When comparing feed types and bag weights, looking at the cost per pound is useful. Here are typical per pound costs:

• Layer feed: $0.30 – $0.40 per lb

• Broiler feed: $0.34 – $0.50 per lb

• Organic feed: $0.60 – $0.70+ per lb

• Scratch grains: $0.32 – $0.44 per lb

Again, you can see organic certified feeds are the most expensive on a per pound basis. Layer feed tends to be the most economical choice for small backyard flocks focused on egg production.

Variables That Impact Feed Amount and Costs

Once you know how much a bag of feed costs, there are a few things that can change how long it lasts and how much it costs to feed your animals every month:

• Number of chickens: More chickens eat more feed. The monthly cost scales up significantly with a larger flock.

• Chicken size/breed: Bigger chickens and meat breeds eat more than smaller egg laying breeds.

• Chicken age: Younger, growing chickens eat more feed per pound than mature adult chickens.

• Egg laying activity: Hens that lay more eggs have higher nutritional needs.

• Free choice feeding: Allowing free access can increase waste and feed consumption.

• Season/conditions: Chickens eat more in cold months to generate body heat. Hot summer months see a dip in appetite.

Tracking your flock’s feed intake and fine tuning your feeding methods helps control waste and cost. Let’s look at how long a bag lasts on average.

How Long Does a 50 lb Bag of Feed Last?

A standard 50 lb bag of chicken feed typically lasts:

• 4-5 weeks for a flock of 5 standard sized chickens

• 2-3 weeks for a flock of 10 standard sized chickens

• 6-7 weeks for one or two mature chickens in ideal conditions

In the first year with rapidly growing chicks, a bag may only last 2-3 weeks for a small flock. After factoring in your flock size, monitor intake and watch for food waste. Adjusting feeder style and access time can stretch a bag further.

Monthly and Yearly Feed Cost Estimates

Based on standard consumption estimates, here are the typical monthly and yearly feed costs:

• For 5 chickens eating layer feed ($0.35/lb):

• Monthly cost: $21 (two 50 lb bags)

• Yearly cost: $250 (25 bags)

• For 10 chickens eating layer feed ($0.35/lb):

• Monthly cost: $42 (four 50 lb bags)

• Yearly cost: $500 (50 bags)

• For 2 chickens eating organic feed ($0.65/lb):

• Monthly cost: $16 (one 50 lb bag)

• Yearly cost: $190 (12 bags)

As you scale up your flock, feed represents one of the biggest annual costs, often totaling $200 to $600+ per year. Where you land depends on your flock size, feed choice, purchasing, and feeding strategy.

Making Chicken Feed More Affordable

While feed represents a major cost, there are ways to make providing for your flock more affordable:

• Buy in bulk: Look for bulk discounts on multiple bags, usually 10% or more.

• Shop sales: Watch for seasonal sales around major holidays for deals on feed.

• Compare brands: Weigh savings vs. quality when choosing cheaper store brands.

• Check expiration dates: Stores often discount dated or short-dated feed.

• Reduce waste: Use quality feeders and set a feeding schedule to prevent gorging.

• Supplement feed: Provide garden produce, sprouts, etc to stretch feed further.

• Buy scratch: Use cheaper scratch grains to supplement layer feed and cut overall costs.

With some savvy shopping and smart feeding practices, it’s possible to lower the monthly investment while still providing excellent nutrition.

Is the Cost of Chicken Feed Worth It?

While feed is a continuous expense, many chicken owners feel the cost is well worth it. A consistent supply of fresh eggs and organic poultry for a reasonable monthly investment keeps most backyard flocks thriving.

The happiness chickens provide with their unique personalities and lively antics is a bonus beyond the food they produce. For many urban and suburban homeowners, the feed cost is a small price to pay for a taste of farm life and greater food security.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to chicken feeding, you can expect to pay between $15-$25 for a standard 50 lb bag of layer feed, or $0.30-$0.50 per pound. Actual monthly and yearly costs depend on your flock size, feed type selected, and purchasing choices. With some effort, it’s possible to limit feed costs while still providing your chickens a nutritious diet.