How Long Does a 25 kg Bag of Chicken Feed Last? Calculator for 1–50 Hens

If you keep backyard chickens, one of the most common questions is:

"How long does a 25 kg bag of chicken feed last?"

The answer depends on your flock size, chicken age, feed type, and daily feeding routine.

For Ontario backyard chicken owners, understanding feed consumption helps you plan your monthly costs, avoid running out of feed, and provide consistent nutrition throughout the year.

At Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies, we regularly help poultry owners across Chatham-Kent and Southwestern Ontario choose the right feed quantities for their birds. Many customers ask whether a 25 kg bag is enough for their flock, especially when preparing for winter months when chickens may rely more heavily on provided feed.

This guide explains exactly how long a 25 kg chicken feed bag can last from 1 to 50 hens, with practical calculations and feeding tips.

Actual results may vary depending on breed, season, activity level, and feeding practices.

Number of Hens	Daily Feed Requirement	Weekly Feed Usage	Approximate Duration of 25 kg Bag
1 hen	110 g/day	770 g/week	227 days
5 hens	550 g/day	3.85 kg/week	45 days
10 hens	1.1 kg/day	7.7 kg/week	22 days
15 hens	1.65 kg/day	11.5 kg/week	15 days
20 hens	2.2 kg/day	15.4 kg/week	11 days
25 hens	2.75 kg/day	19.25 kg/week	9 days
30 hens	3.3 kg/day	23.1 kg/week	7–8 days
40 hens	4.4 kg/day	30.8 kg/week	5–6 days
50 hens	5.5 kg/day	38.5 kg/week	4–5 days

Note: These calculations assume complete poultry feed is the primary food source.

Chickens with significant free-range access may consume less purchased feed, while birds kept indoors may require more.

How Much Feed Does a Chicken Eat Per Day?

An adult laying hen typically consumes approximately:

100–120 grams of complete feed per day

However, actual consumption can vary.

Factors include:

• Chicken breed and size

• Age of the bird

• Egg production

• Outdoor access

• Temperature

• Feed quality

Availability of insects and vegetation

For example, free-range chickens may eat slightly less commercial feed during warmer months because they supplement their diet naturally.

During Ontario winters, chickens often consume more feed because they require additional energy to maintain body temperature.

What Factors Affect How Long Chicken Feed Lasts?

A 25 kg bag does not last the same amount of time for every flock. Several factors influence feed consumption.

1. Number of Chickens in Your Flock

The biggest factor is flock size.

A small backyard flock of five hens may use one bag for over a month, while a larger flock of 50 hens can finish the same bag within a week.

Before purchasing feed, calculate:

Number of birds × daily feed requirement = total daily feed needed

This helps prevent buying too little or storing unnecessary feed.

2. Age of Your Chickens

Different birds have different nutritional requirements.

Chicks

Young chicks require starter feed designed for early growth.

Pullets

Growing pullets need feed that supports healthy development before egg production begins.

Laying Hens

Adult hens require layer feed containing appropriate nutrients to support egg production.

At Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies, we often remind backyard poultry owners that choosing the correct feed stage is just as important as calculating the quantity needed.

3. Chicken Breed and Body Size

Larger breeds generally consume more feed compared with smaller breeds.

Examples:

• Heavy breeds may eat more than smaller bantam chickens.

• High-producing laying breeds may require consistent nutrition.

• Active free-range birds may burn more energy.

  
  

4. Ontario Weather Conditions

Canadian weather plays an important role in poultry feeding.

During Southwestern Ontario winters, colder temperatures can increase feed consumption because chickens use more energy to maintain body warmth.

Helpful winter feeding practices:

• Provide consistent access to feed

• Keep feeders protected from snow and moisture

• Reduce feed waste caused by wet conditions

• Ensure fresh water is always available

  
  

During summer, heat can reduce appetite, so keeping feed fresh and providing shade becomes important.

Complete Feed vs Scratch Grain: What Is the Difference?

Many backyard chicken owners ask whether scratch grain can replace regular chicken feed.

The answer is no.

Scratch grain is generally considered a supplement or treat, while complete poultry feed is designed to provide balanced nutrition.

Feed Type	Best Used For	Benefits	Important Consideration
Layer Pellets	Adult laying hens	Balanced daily nutrition, less waste	Suitable for laying-age birds
Layer Crumbles	Backyard flocks	Easy for smaller birds to eat	Can create more dust
Scratch Grain	Supplement/treat	Encourages natural foraging behaviour	Should not replace complete feed
Starter Feed	Chicks	Supports early growth	Not suitable for adult hens

How Much Chicken Feed Do Laying Hens Need?

Most laying hens consume approximately:

100–120 grams of complete feed per day

A practical daily feeding guide:

Flock Size	Daily Feed Needed	Monthly Feed Estimate
5 hens	0.5–0.6 kg/day	16–18 kg/month
10 hens	1–1.2 kg/day	30–36 kg/month
20 hens	2–2.4 kg/day	60–72 kg/month
50 hens	5–6 kg/day	150–180 kg/month

This means a backyard owner with 10 hens should expect to use approximately one 25 kg bag every three weeks.

How to Reduce Chicken Feed Waste

Feed waste can significantly increase your monthly costs.

Here are practical ways to reduce waste:

Use the Correct Feeder Height

Place feeders around the height of your chickens' backs. This reduces scratching and spilling.

Avoid Overfilling Feeders

Only provide enough feed that chickens can consume without excessive scattering.

Keep Feed Dry

Moist feed can spoil quickly and attracts pests.

Store feed:

Away from rain

In sealed containers

Off the ground

Monitor Daily Consumption

If feed disappears unusually quickly, check for:

Spilled feed

Wild birds accessing feeders

Rodent activity

Choosing the Right Chicken Feed for Your Backyard Flock

The best feed depends on your birds' age and purpose.

For Egg-Producing Hens

Choose a complete layer feed designed for laying hens.

Benefits include:

Balanced nutrition

Supports consistent feeding routines

Convenient daily feeding

For Mixed Backyard Flocks

If you keep different birds together, consider their individual needs.

A flock may include:

• Laying hens

• Younger pullets

• Roosters

• Different breeds

In these cases, speaking with a local feed specialist can help determine the most suitable option.

Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies Expert Tip

At Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies, one of the most common questions we hear from Ontario backyard chicken owners is:

"How many bags should I buy each month for my flock?"

Our recommendation is always to start with:

1. Count your birds

2. Estimate daily consumption

3. Consider seasonal changes

4. Choose a feed suitable for your birds' age

   
   

Every flock is different, and small changes in management can make a noticeable difference in feed usage.

Recommended Products From Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies

Chicken Layer Feed

Ideal for:

• Backyard laying hens

• Small farm flocks

• Egg-producing birds

  
  

A complete layer feed option helps simplify daily feeding routines.

Chicken Scratch Grain

Suitable for:

• Supplemental feeding

• Natural foraging behaviour

• Backyard flock enrichment

  
  

Scratch grain should complement, not replace, a complete poultry diet.

Chicken Crumble Feed

A popular option for backyard chicken owners who prefer smaller particle sizes that are easy for birds to consume.

Continue Reading Related Guides

Suggested internal links:

1. Chicken Layer Feed Guide

   
   

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2. Chicken Scratch Grain Benefits

   
   

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3. Choosing Feed for Winter Chickens

   
   

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4. Backyard Chicken Nutrition Guide

   
   

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5. Farm Feed Products

   
   

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FAQ

How long does a 25 kg bag of chicken feed last?

A 25 kg bag of chicken feed can last anywhere from a few days to several months depending on flock size. For example, 10 laying hens typically consume around 1–1.2 kg of feed daily, meaning a 25 kg bag lasts approximately three weeks.

How much feed does a laying hen eat per day?

An adult laying hen usually eats around 100–120 grams of complete feed per day. Consumption can change depending on breed, weather, egg production, and access to outdoor forage.

Should chickens have feed available all day?

Many backyard poultry owners provide continuous access to complete feed so chickens can maintain consistent eating habits. Feeders should be managed carefully to reduce waste.

Does cold weather increase chicken feed consumption?

Yes. During colder Canadian months, chickens may consume more feed because they require additional energy to maintain body temperature.

What is the best chicken feed for backyard hens in Ontario?

The best feed depends on flock age and purpose. Adult laying hens generally require a complete layer feed, while younger birds need age-appropriate poultry feed.

Can scratch grain replace layer feed?

No. Scratch grain is usually a supplement and should not replace complete layer feed because it does not provide all required nutrients.

How do I calculate chicken feed requirements?

Multiply your number of chickens by average daily consumption.

Formula:

Number of chickens × 0.11 kg = daily feed requirement