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How Much Should You Feed Backyard Laying Chickens? A Simple Guide to Daily Intake
- Megan McKenzie
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Feeding backyard chickens seems straightforward—fill the feeder, watch the girls peck away, collect eggs. But how much should a laying hen actually be eating each day? Getting the feeding rate right is one of the easiest ways to keep hens healthy, productive, and in great body condition.
Whether you’re feeding a complete grain mix or a pelleted ration, this guide walks you through how many grams per day your birds should be consuming at each life stage.
Why Daily Feed Intake Matters
Just like any other animal, chickens balance their nutrient intake based on energy demand. Too little feed and you’ll see:
Pale yolks
Reduced laying
Weight loss
Lower immunity
Too much feed leads to:
Overweight hens
Decreased production
Wastage (and wasted money!)
A clear feeding guideline helps you stay consistent and gives your hens exactly what they need.
Feeding Guide: From Chicks to Layers
Below are daily feed intake ranges (grams per bird per day) for backyard chicken keepers.
1. Chicks (0–6 Weeks)
A good start sets the foundation for healthy layers later on.
Age | Daily Intake | Notes |
Week 1 | 15–20 g/day | Fine crumble, 20–22% protein starter mash |
Week 2 | 25–35 g/day | Keep feeders topped up to encourage growth |
Week 3 | 40–50 g/day | Rapid skeletal development |
Weeks 4–5 | 55–65 g/day | Transition to grower crumble or continue on mash |
Week 6 | 65–75 g/day | Start monitoring body condition |
2. Growing Pullets (6–18 Weeks)
These teens grow steadily but shouldn’t be overfed—excess weight reduces future laying.
Age | Daily Intake | Notes |
6–8 weeks | 65–75 g/day | Grower ration, 16–18% protein |
9–12 weeks | 75–85 g/day | Consistent intake, slow and steady growth |
13–16 weeks | 85–95 g/day | Maintain condition without excess fat |
17–18 weeks | 95–105 g/day | Shift gently toward pre-lay/layer feed - pellets or grain mix |
3. Adult Laying Hens (18+ Weeks)
Most backyard hens thrive on 100–120 g of feed per day. This is their sweet spot for steady egg production.
Daily Intake
Early lay (18–30 weeks): 100–110 g/day
Peak lay (30–50 weeks): 110–120 g/day
Late lay (50+ weeks): 115–125 g/day
Your birds may eat a little more in cold weather or slightly less during hot spells. That’s normal—appetite tracks energy needs.
Pellets vs Grain Mix: Does Feed Type Change Intake?
Short answer: a little, yes.
Pelleted rations
Lower wastage
Even nutrient distribution
Hens typically eat 5–10% less for the same performance
Complete grain mixes or mash
Birds can flick or sort feed
Expect slightly higher feed offered—usually +5–10%
Still a great option if balanced correctly
If your ideal target is 110 g/day:
Pellets: 105–115 g/day
Grain mix: 110–120 g/day offered
Factors That Change Feed Intake
Every flock is a little different. You may see your hens eat more or less depending on:
Weather
Cold: hens eat more (up to +15%)
Hot: hens eat less, drink more water
Breed
Heavier dual-purpose breeds (e.g., Australorps, Plymouth Rocks) sit at the high end
Light breeds (e.g., Leghorns) sit at the lower end
Free-range Access
Good pasture = 10–20% lower concentrate intake
Poor pasture = normal intake
Egg Production Level
High producers eat more—simple as that.
Simple “Rule of Thumb” for Backyard Keepers. If you want one easy guideline to remember:
An adult laying hen eats 100–120 g per day of a complete feed.Adjust ±10% for weather, breed, and activity. It’s that simple.
Final Thoughts
A good feeding program doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding how much your hens should eat at different life stages, you ensure:
Consistent egg production
Healthy body condition
Less feed waste
Lower feed costs
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