Raising backyard chickens is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can have. Walking out to your coop for fresh eggs never gets old. However, just like any pet or livestock, chickens need to eat. If you are new to this or looking to budget better, avoiding common beginner mistakes can save you money from day one. You are probably asking one big question: How much does a 50 lb bag of chicken feed cost?
Here is the quick answer: As of 2025, you can expect to pay between $13 and $22 for a standard 50 lb bag of layer pellets. If you prefer organic or non-GMO feed, the price jumps to $22 to $42 per bag.
But the price tag on the bag is only part of the story. To really understand your expenses, you need to know how long that bag lasts and how much your specific breed eats. In this guide, we will break down the costs, look at the best places to buy, and help you calculate your exact feed costs for your monthly bill.
Current Prices for a 50 lb Bag of Chicken Feed (2025)
When you walk into a feed store, you will see rows of colorful bags. It can be confusing. The price depends heavily on what type of feed it is. A bag of basic layer crumbles is going to cost less than a specialized organic starter feed.
In my experience raising backyard chickens, I’ve noticed that prices can fluctuate based on the cost of grain, but they usually stay within a predictable range.
Chicken Layer Pellets 50 lbs – Price Breakdown
Layer feed is what your hens will eat most of their lives. It has extra calcium to help them lay strong eggshells.
- Economy Brands: $13 – $19 (Regional feed mills and bulk buyers may find prices as low as $11-$12)
- Premium Brands (Purina, Nutrena): $20 – $22
- Organic/Non-GMO: $17 – $42. Standard organic feed usually falls between $22–$35, while specialty options (soy-free, corn-free, or small farm certified) can reach $34–$42 per 50 lb bag. Non-GMO options typically start lower, around **$17**. (See our list of the best organic and non-GMO chicken feeds)
Chick Starter Feed 50 lb Costs
Chicks need high protein to grow fast. You only buy this for the first 8 to 16 weeks—learn when to switch from starter to grower feed to avoid overspending.
- Standard Starter/Grower: $15 – $22
- Medicated Starter: $14 – $29 (helps prevent diseases like Coccidiosis; prices vary significantly by retailer)
Scratch Grains and Supplement Pricing
Think of scratch grains like candy for chickens. To understand the difference between feed and scratch, remember that scratch is a treat, not a complete meal.
- Standard Scratch Grains: $10 – $16 per 50 lb bag.
Here is a handy table to help you compare the current market prices.
Table 1: 50 lb Chicken Feed Price Comparison (2025)
| Feed Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Layer Pellets | $13 – $22 | Egg-laying hens (16+ weeks) |
| Layer Crumbles | $13 – $22 | Picky eaters, smaller breeds |
| Chick Starter | $15 – $22 | Chicks (0 – 8 weeks) |
| Grower Feed | $17 – $21 | Pullets (8 – 16 weeks) |
| Organic Layer | $22 – $42 | Organic egg production |
| Non-GMO Layer | $17 – $23 | Non-GMO egg production |
| Scratch Grains | $10 – $16 | Treats/supplements only |
Where to Buy Chicken Feed 50 Pound Bags Near You
Finding the best deal often depends on where you live. You essentially have two choices: big-box farm stores or local independent feed mills.
Tractor Supply Chicken Feed Prices
Tractor Supply Co. is one of the most common places to buy feed in the USA. They carry major brands like DuMor, Purina, and Producer’s Pride. Premium brands like Nutrena NatureWise offer excellent nutrition—see our full Nutrena NatureWise review for a complete breakdown.
- Pros: They often have sales (“Chick Days”) and loyalty programs.
- Cons: Prices are set corporately, so there isn’t much wiggle room.
- Observation: I often find that their house brand, Producer’s Pride, is the most budget-friendly option for a basic layer pellet.
Rural King and Regional Farm Store Pricing
If you live in the Midwest or South, stores like Rural King, Atwoods, or Bomgaars might be nearby. These stores often compete aggressively on price.
- Regional Benefit: They may carry local brands that are cheaper because they didn’t have to be shipped across the country.
Online Options vs. Local Feed Stores
You can buy chicken feed on Amazon or Chewy, but there is a catch: shipping. A 50 lb bag is heavy.
- Local Feed Stores: usually have the best prices because you are doing the hauling. Plus, you can often buy in bulk.
- Online: Convenient, but usually costs $5-$10 more per bag unless you have free shipping subscriptions.
Detailed Retailer Price Guide (December 2025)
To give you a concrete idea of what you will pay at the register, here are the actual shelf prices from a major national retailer and a popular non-GMO specialty mill.
Tractor Supply Chicken Feed Prices (December 2025)
| Brand | Product | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producer’s Pride | 16% Layer Pellets | 50 lb | $16.49 |
| Producer’s Pride | Scratch Grains | 50 lb | $15.99 |
| Producer’s Pride | Cracked Corn | 50 lb | $11.59 |
| Purina | Layena Layer Pellets | 50 lb | $21.99 |
| Purina | Layena Layer Crumbles | 50 lb | $21.99 |
| DuMOR | Organic Layer | Varies | $13.99 – $26.99 |
| Cluck & Co | Organic Layer Blend | Varies | $12.49 – $22.99 (price varies by bag size) |
| Nutrena NatureWise | 17% Layer Pellet | 40 lb | $17.99 |
Source: Prices based on Tractor Supply’s current online listings.
Current Holiday Sale Highlights:
| Product | Regular Price | Current Sale |
|---|---|---|
| DuMOR 16% Layer Crumble | $23.99 | **$21.99** (Save $2) |
| Nutrena NatureWise Layer | $19.99 | **$17.99** (Save $2) |
| Nature’s Best Organic All Flock | $33.99 | **$29.99** (Save $4) |
Sunrise Farms Non-GMO Feed Prices (December 2025)
| Product | Price (50 lb) |
|---|---|
| Layer Mash (16%) | $17.69 |
| Layer Pellet (16%) | $19.29 |
| Scratch Feed (9%) | $14.74 |
| Chick Starter (22%) | $19.49 |
| Soy-Free Layer Pellets | $22.29 |
Source: Prices based on Sunrise Farms feed pricing page.
Feed Mill/Wholesale Prices (2025)
Buying directly from feed mills rather than retail stores can often save you $3-$5 per bag. Here is a look at wholesale pricing trends for 2025:
| Feed Type | 50 lb Price Range |
|---|---|
| 17% Layer Crumbles | $11.82 – $13.54 |
| 20% Egg Laying Pellets | $12.58 – $14.74 |
| 22% Poultry Crumbles | $13.16 – $15.32 |
| Scratch Grains | $11.79 – $14.93 |
| Organic 16% Layer Pellets | $23.14 – $25.44 |
| Organic Soy-Free Layer | $27.49 – $30.08 |
Source: ADMC 2025 Feed Price List
Fehringer Farms Certified Organic Prices (2025)
For those looking for premium, certified organic options, Fehringer Farms offers high-quality rations. Note the price difference compared to standard feed—this reflects the cost of organic certification and premium ingredients.
| Certified Organic Feed | Price (50 lb) |
|---|---|
| Non-Soy Layer Ration | $34.00 |
| Grower Ration | $36.50 |
| Starter Ration | $41.00 |
| Chicken Scratch | $31.00 |
Source: Fehringer Farms 2025 Certified Organic Price List
Sullivan Family Farms Premium Prices (2025)
Sullivan Family Farms offers another data point for high-quality, small-batch feed, supporting the premium pricing tier for specialty products.
| Product | Price (50 lb) |
|---|---|
| Premium Chicken Feed | $29.00 |
Source: Sullivan Family Farms current pricing.
How Long Does a 50 lb Bag of Chicken Feed Last?
This is the most common question I get from new chicken keepers. If you are still in the planning phase, check out our guide on how many chickens your family needs to estimate your total feed requirements.
The answer depends on how many birds you have. According to feeding data from Roostys.co, adult chickens consume approximately 0.25 lbs of feed per day, which equals about 91.25 lbs per year. This applies to average standard-sized chickens (like a Rhode Island Red or Plymouth Rock) when following the best feeding schedule for backyard chickens.
Feed Duration for 4 Chickens
If you have a small backyard flock of 4 hens:
- They eat 1 lb per day total.
- Result: A 50 lb bag lasts about 50 days.
How Long Does a 50 lb Bag Last for 6 Chickens?
This is a very common flock size.
- They eat 1.5 lbs per day total.
- Result: A 50 lb bag lasts about 33 days (roughly one month).
Feed Duration for 10+ Chickens
If you are getting serious with a larger flock:
- 10 chickens eat 2.5 lbs per day.
- Result: A 50 lb bag lasts about 20 days. You will need almost two bags a month.
Table 2: How Long 50 lbs Lasts by Flock Size
| Flock Size | Daily Consumption | 50 lb Bag Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 4 chickens | 1 lb / day | ~50 days |
| 6 chickens | 1.5 lbs / day | ~33 days |
| 10 chickens | 2.5 lbs / day | ~20 days |
| 12 chickens | 3 lbs / day | ~16-17 days |
How Much to Feed Chickens Per Day
Understanding daily measurements helps you avoid waste. For a deep dive, check out our complete feeding guide.
Daily Feed Amount in Cups
A standard layer pellet weighs roughly 0.25 lbs per cup.
- One chicken eats about 1 cup of feed per day.
- Note: This varies based on breed and weather. My Buff Orpingtons eat slightly more than my Leghorns—closer to 0.3 lbs each on cold days.
Daily Feed Amount in Pounds and Kilograms
If you prefer weighing your feed:
- Pounds: 0.25 lbs per bird.
- Kilograms: Approximately 0.11 kg (113 grams) per bird.
How Much Does a Chicken Eat Per Day?
According to veterinary guidelines from Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc, monitoring your flock’s health alongside proper nutrition is vital for egg production. If your chickens are eating drastically less than the amounts above, they might be sick. If they are eating way more, they might be wasting it, or you might have rats stealing the food! If you’re still choosing breeds, check out beginner-friendly breeds that balance feed efficiency with egg production.
Chicken Feed Calculator: Monthly Costs by Flock Size
Now, let’s talk about your budget. Use our chicken feed calculator to get exact numbers, or follow the estimates below.
How Much Does It Cost to Feed 6 Chickens a Month?
Let’s assume you buy a standard bag for $20.
- 6 chickens need 1 bag roughly every 33 days.
- Monthly Cost: Approximately $18 to $20.
For a more detailed analysis including coop costs and healthcare, see the real cost of raising 6 chickens from chick to layer.
Monthly Feed Costs for 10 Chickens
- 10 chickens eat 75 lbs of feed a month (1.5 bags).
- Monthly Cost: Approximately $30 to $38.
How Much Feed Per Chicken Per Month?
A single chicken will eat about 7.5 lbs of feed in a 30-day month.
- Cost per bird: Roughly $3.00 to $4.00 per month.
Table 3: Monthly Feed Costs by Flock Size
| Flock Size | Bags Per Month | Monthly Cost (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 chickens | ~0.6 bags | $10 – $15 |
| 6 chickens | ~1 bag | $16 – $25 |
| 10 chickens | ~1.5 bags | $24 – $38 |
How Many Cups and Gallons in a 50 lb Bag of Chicken Feed?
You need a place to put all this feed. Leaving it in the paper bag is a bad idea because mice will chew right through it. Learn how to keep rats out of your chicken coop to protect your feed investment.
Conversion Measurements
- Cups: There are approximately 200 cups of feed in a 50 lb bag.
- Gallons: A 50 lb bag takes up about 6.5 to 7 gallons of space.
Storage Container Sizing Guide
To store a full 50 lb bag, you should buy a container that holds at least 10 gallons to be safe. A standard 5-gallon bucket from the hardware store will not hold a full 50 lb bag. You will need two buckets or one large metal trash can.
Table 4: Measurement Conversions
| Measurement | Amount in 50 lb Bag |
|---|---|
| Cups | ~200 cups |
| Gallons | ~6.5 – 7 gallons |
| Kilograms | ~22.7 kg |
| Daily servings (6 hens) | ~33 days worth |
Factors That Affect Chicken Feed Prices
Why does the price change? Several economic factors come into play.
Feed Type (Layer, Starter, Grower, Organic)
We touched on this earlier, but protein costs money. Starter feed has higher protein (18-20%) compared to layer feed (16%), so it costs more. Organic certification requires expensive farming practices, which doubles the cost of the grain.
Regional Price Differences
If you live in the “Corn Belt” (like Iowa or Nebraska), feed might be cheaper because the grain is grown nearby. If you live in a city or on the coast, the feed has to be trucked in, which adds fuel costs to the price.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Prices often creep up in the winter. Grain is harvested in the fall. Data from the USDA Economic Research Service shows that as grain supplies fluctuate throughout the year, feed prices often follow suit.
Bulk Buying (100 lb Chicken Feed Options)
Many feed mills offer discounts if you buy 500 lbs or a ton at a time. For example, Sunrise Farms offers bulk 1-ton tote pricing that can lower costs significantly:
- Layer Mash: $595 per ton (drops the price to roughly **$14.88 per 50 lbs**).
- Scratch Feed: $465 per ton (drops the price to roughly **$11.63 per 50 lbs**).
However, for a backyard flock, buying too much is a risk. Feed can go moldy or lose vitamins if it sits for more than a few months, so this option is best if you can split an order with neighbors.
How to Reduce Your Chicken Feed Costs
If the numbers in the calculator looked a little high, don’t worry. There are smart ways to lower the bill without starving your birds. You may also want to compare if raising backyard chickens is cheaper than buying eggs in the long run.
Fermented Feed Method
This is a game-changer. By fermenting your chicken feed, you can reduce consumption by 25-50% while improving gut health. This expands the feed volume and makes the nutrients easier for the chickens to absorb.
Free-Ranging to Supplement Feed
According to poultry care guidelines from Homestead.org, free-range eggs offer more nutrition, and raising chickens at home gives you control over what your flock eats. When chickens free-range, they eat bugs, grass, and seeds. Learn the pros and cons of free-range vs. chicken runs to decide what works for your setup.
Kitchen Scraps and Garden Waste
Chickens are the ultimate composters. They love vegetable peels, watermelon rinds, and leftover pasta. See our guide on kitchen scraps chickens can safely eat to supplement their diet. Some keepers even choose to make their own chicken feed or use a homemade chicken feed recipe to control costs further.
Note: According to the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, scraps should supplement—not replace—a balanced commercial feed to ensure adequate protein for laying hens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Feed Costs
Here are some quick answers to the specific questions you might still have.
What is the current price of chicken feed?
At Tractor Supply, budget options like Producer’s Pride layer pellets cost $16.49, while premium brands like Purina Layena range from $9.99-$21.99 depending on bag size. Non-GMO options from specialty retailers like Sunrise Farms run $17.69-$19.29 per 50 lb bag.
How much is a 50 lb bag of chicken feed?
It depends on the brand. A budget brand like Producer’s Pride is $16.49, while a premium brand like Nutrena NatureWise is around $17.99-$19.99.
What is the number one killer of chickens?
While predators (like raccoons) are a huge threat, the Merck Veterinary Manual highlights that poor nutrition is a silent killer. Performing regular health checks and providing quality feed prevents many common issues.
How much does it cost to feed 4 chickens a month?
You will spend roughly $10 to $15 per month to feed four hens, assuming they don’t waste much.
Summary
Raising chickens is an investment, but it is one that pays you back in delicious eggs and fertilizer for your garden. To recap:
- A 50 lb bag costs roughly $20.
- It lasts 6 chickens about a month.
- One chicken costs about $3.50/month to feed.
By using a good feeder to prevent waste and supplementing with kitchen scraps, you can keep your backyard flock expenses low and your hens happy. Now that you know the numbers, you can budget for your flock with confidence!
Oladepo Babatunde is the founder of ChickenStarter.com. He is a backyard chicken keeper and educator who specializes in helping beginners raise healthy flocks, particularly in warm climates. His expertise comes from years of hands-on experience building coops, treating common chicken ailments, and solving flock management issues. His own happy hens are a testament to his methods, laying 25-30 eggs weekly.
