How Much Does a Chicken Eat?

A common question among poultry owners, especially those new to raising birds, is "How much do my birds eat, so I know how much feed to buy?". 

Below are some general guidelines to go by, keeping in mind that a variety of factors, from weather to other available food sources, can influence the exact amount of prepared feed your birds will consume.

Feeding Amounts for Newly Hatched Birds:

• Layer Chicks: 9-10 lbs per bird in the first 10 weeks
• Broiler Chicks (based on Cornish Game Birds): 8-9 lbs per bird in the first 6 weeks
• Turkeys: 72 lbs per bird in the first 12 weeks
• Geese: 53 lbs per bird in the first 8 weeks
• Ducks: 22 lbs per bird in the first 8 weeks
• Gamebirds: 9 lbs per bird in the first 8 weeks

Feeding Amounts for Laying Birds:

• Chickens: 1.5 lbs per bird per week
• Turkeys: 4 – 5 lbs per bird per week
• Geese: 3 lbs per bird per week
• Gamebirds: 1 – 1.5 lbs per bird per week