The Complete Guide to DIY Chicken Feed: Formulas, Annual Consumption & Cost Analysis

Creating your own chicken feed—commonly referred to as DIY (Do-It-Yourself) feeding—is gaining popularity among backyard poultry keepers, homesteaders, and small-scale commercial producers. It offers a unique opportunity to take full control over what your birds consume, allowing for customization based on flock size, breed, production goals, and personal values such as avoiding GMOs, synthetic additives, or antibiotics.

Advantages of Homemade Feed

1. Ingredient Transparency

• Know exactly what goes into your feed: no hidden fillers, by-products, or medications.
• Avoid controversial ingredients like animal fats, soy (for soy-sensitive flocks), or genetically modified corn.

2. Cost Savings

• Depending on sourcing and region, DIY feed can reduce annual feeding costs by 30–50% compared to commercial organic or even conventional feeds.
• Bulk purchasing of raw grains and supplements significantly lowers per-pound cost.

3. Customization

• Tailor protein, calcium, and energy levels for specific life stages (pullets, layers, molting hens, broilers).
• Adjust formulations seasonally (e.g., higher fat in winter) or for special needs (e.g., show birds, heritage breeds).

4. Sustainability & Local Sourcing

• Source grains locally from farms or co-ops, reducing carbon footprint.
• Utilize food waste (e.g., spent grains from breweries, surplus garden produce) as safe supplements.

The Risks of DIY Feeding

Despite its benefits, homemade feed carries serious risks if not formulated correctly:

• Nutritional imbalances can lead to:
  • Poor egg production or soft-shelled eggs (calcium/phosphorus deficiency)
  • Feather loss, stunted growth, or organ damage (amino acid/protein imbalance)
  • Skeletal deformities or paralysis (vitamin D3, calcium, or phosphorus issues)
• Toxicity risks from moldy grains (aflatoxins), excessive salt, or mineral overdoses
• Inconsistent mixing leading to nutrient “hot spots” or deficiencies across the flock

Bottom Line: DIY feed is powerful—but it must be approached with scientific precision, not guesswork.

Annual Feed Consumption: How Much Does One Chicken Eat?

Understanding how much feed your chickens consume annually is essential for planning, budgeting, and minimizing waste. While averages exist, actual intake varies widely based on several factors.

Key Variables Affecting Feed Intake

Factor	Impact on Consumption
Bird Type	Layers eat more than bantams; broilers have high feed conversion ratios during growth
Age & Life Stage	Chicks (0–6 wks): low volume, high protein Pullets (6–18 wks): increasing intake Laying hens (>18 wks): peak consumption
Climate	Cold weather increases energy needs by 20–25%; heat may suppress appetite
Foraging Access	Free-range birds consume 15–30% less grain due to insect, grass, and plant intake
Egg Production Level	High-producing breeds (e.g., Leghorns) require more energy and calcium than non-layers
Feed Form	Pellets reduce waste; mash may increase spillage and selective eating

Table: Annual Feed Consumption per Chicken

Bird Type	Lbs/Year	Daily Avg (oz)	Key Influencing Factors
Laying Hen	40–45 lbs	4.5–5 oz	• Peak lay = +15% intake • Breed differences (Leghorns: ~38 lbs; Orpingtons: ~48 lbs) • Molting reduces intake temporarily
Broiler (to processing)	16–20 lbs	3–4 oz (over 6–10 weeks)	• Fast-growing Cornish Cross: 8–10 lbs in 6 weeks • Heritage breeds: slower gain, lower feed efficiency
Dual-Purpose	55–60 lbs	5.5–6 oz	• Larger body mass requires more maintenance energy • Lower egg output but higher upkeep
Bantam	25–30 lbs	2.5–3 oz	• Small size = reduced metabolic demand

Example Calculation:
A flock of 6 laying hens consuming an average of 42 lbs/year each = 252 lbs annually
→ That’s approximately 21 lbs per month, or 5.25 lbs per week.

Pro Tip: Track weekly feed use per hen. If a hen consistently eats over 6 oz/day, investigate for health issues (parasites, disease, or poor feed quality).

DIY Feed Formulation: Core Components & Nutritional Requirements

Chickens require 38 essential nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and water. A balanced diet supports:

• Egg production and shell quality
• Immune function
• Feathering and skin health
• Bone development and metabolic stability

Critical Nutrient Targets

Nutrient	Laying Hens	Broilers (Growers)	Purpose
Crude Protein	16–18%	20–24%	Muscle development, egg white formation
Calcium	3.5–4.5%	0.9–1.1%	Eggshell strength, bone integrity
Available Phosphorus	0.4–0.6%	0.6–0.8%	Bone mineralization, energy metabolism
Metabolizable Energy (ME)	2,800–3,000 kcal/kg	3,000–3,200 kcal/kg	Daily activity, thermoregulation, production
Lysine (Essential AA)	0.7–0.8%	1.0–1.2%	Protein synthesis, growth
Methionine (Essential AA)	0.35–0.45%	0.5–0.6%	Feathering, liver function

Note: Calcium and phosphorus must be in proper balance (ideal ratio ~5:1 to 7:1 Ca:P). Excess calcium inhibits phosphorus absorption and vice versa.

Table: Nutrient Sources for DIY Feed

Component	Purpose	Sample % in Mix	Best Sources	Notes
Base Grains	Energy (carbohydrates)	60–70%	Cracked corn, wheat, oats, barley, milo	Corn is high in energy but low in protein and lysine
Protein Meals	Amino acids, tissue/egg synthesis	20–30%	Soybean meal (48%), fish meal (60%), canola meal, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), sunflower meal	BSFL is sustainable and highly digestible
Calcium Sources	Eggshell and bone strength	8–10% (layers only)	Oyster shell, limestone (calcium carbonate), baked/ground eggshells	Oyster shell dissolves slowly—ideal for overnight calcium release
Fats/Oils	Energy density, feather luster, vitamin absorption	3–5%	Flaxseed (omega-3), sunflower seeds, fish oil, soybean oil	Increases ME without bulk
Supplements	Vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids	2–4%	Commercial poultry premix, kelp meal, brewer’s yeast, grit, probiotics	Premix is non-negotiable unless lab-tested alternatives used

Science Note: Whole grains vary in nutrient content based on soil, harvest, and storage. Always assume variability and test when possible.

Sample DIY Feed Recipe for Laying Hens (Makes 50 lbs)

This formula is designed for peak-laying hens (18+ weeks) with moderate foraging access.

Nutritional Profile

• Crude Protein: 17%
• Calcium: 3.8%
• Phosphorus: 0.5%
• Metabolizable Energy: ~2,900 kcal/kg
• Lysine: ~0.75%
• Methionine + Cystine: ~0.7%

Ingredients List

Ingredient	Amount	Percentage	Key Contribution
Cracked corn	25 lbs	50%	Primary energy source
Rolled oats	5 lbs	10%	Fiber, digestible carbs, palatability
Soybean meal (48% protein)	12.5 lbs	25%	Primary protein and lysine
Fish meal (60% protein)	2.5 lbs	5%	Methionine, omega-3s, immune support
Oyster shell	4 lbs	8%	Sustained calcium release for eggshells
Poultry vitamin/mineral premix (complete)	1 lb	2%	Vitamins A, D3, E, K, B-complex, trace minerals
Flaxseed (ground)	0.5 lb	1%	Omega-3 fatty acids, improves yolk color
Kelp meal or alfalfa meal	0.5 lb	1%	Iodine, chlorophyll, natural antioxidants

Optional Additions (0.5–1% total):

• Dried garlic (immune booster)
• Brewer’s yeast (B-vitamins, protein)
• Apple cider vinegar powder (gut health)
• Diatomaceous earth (external parasite control—use food-grade only)

Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions

1. Grind Ingredients (if needed):

• Use a hammer mill or grain grinder to ensure uniform particle size.
• Fine grinding improves digestibility but avoid powder-fine textures that cause dust.

1. Pre-Mix Supplements:

• Blend the vitamin/mineral premix with flaxseed and kelp first to prevent clumping.
• This “micro-mix” will distribute evenly when added to bulk ingredients.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a cement mixer, large drum tumbler, or heavy-duty plastic bin, add base grains.
• Gradually incorporate protein meals and pre-mixed supplements.
• Mix for 10–15 minutes until homogeneous.

1. Add Fats Last:

• If using liquid oil (e.g., fish oil), spray evenly while mixing to avoid clumping.
• For whole seeds (flax, sunflower), add at the end and mix gently.

1. Storage:

• Store in airtight, rodent-proof containers (plastic bins with gaskets or metal drums).
• Include oxygen absorbers and keep moisture below 14% to prevent mold.
• Use within 6–8 weeks to preserve nutrient integrity, especially fats and vitamins.

Critical Recommendation: Send a sample of your final mix to a feed analysis lab ($50–$150) to verify protein, calcium, phosphorus, and amino acid levels. Labs like Equi-Analytical, Dairy One, or UMass Extension offer poultry-specific testing.

Cost Analysis: DIY vs. Commercial Feed

Table: Comparative Cost Breakdown (Per Hen Per Year)

Feed Type	Avg Cost/Lb	Annual Cost/Hen (42 lbs)	Pros	Cons
DIY Organic Mix	$0.35–$0.50	$14.70–$21.00	Full ingredient control, avoids GMOs, customizable	Labor-intensive, requires storage space, risk of imbalance
Commercial Organic Layer Pellets	$0.60–$0.90	$25.20–$37.80	Balanced nutrition, convenience, consistent quality	Often contains soy/corn, may include fillers or synthetic additives
Commercial Conventional Pellets	$0.20–$0.35	$8.40–$14.70	Most affordable, widely available, reliable	May contain GMO grains, animal by-products, or coccidiostats

Savings Potential:

• DIY saves $6–$23/hen/year vs. organic commercial feed.
• Even compared to conventional feed, DIY offers $0–$6 savings, plus quality and control benefits.

Bulk Buying Tip:
Purchasing grains in 1,000-lb quantities can reduce DIY costs by 20–40%. Join a coop, split with neighbors, or store in sealed silos.

Regional Sourcing:
In the Midwest, corn and soy are cheaper; in the West, consider barley and sunflower. Adjust formulas based on local availability.

Risks & Solutions in DIY Feeding

Common Pitfalls and Their Consequences

Issue	Symptoms in Flock	Solution
Protein Deficiency	Reduced egg production, poor feathering, slow growth	Increase soybean/fish meal; add BSFL or meat scraps (cooked)
Excess Protein	Kidney stress, uric acid buildup, wet droppings	Reduce protein to 16–18% for layers; avoid overfeeding
Calcium Deficiency	Soft-shelled or shell-less eggs, brittle bones	Add oyster shell free-choice; ensure vitamin D3 availability (sunlight or supplement)
Calcium Overload	Poor phosphorus absorption, leg weakness	Maintain Ca:P ratio; avoid exceeding 4.5% calcium
Vitamin D3 Deficiency	Rickets, poor shell quality, lameness	Provide sunlight access or use D3-fortified premix
Aflatoxin Poisoning	Sudden death, yellow mucous membranes, lethargy	Test stored grains; discard moldy feed; use toxin binders
Inconsistent Mixing	Some birds get too much mineral, others too little	Use premix; mix in small batches; invest in a tumbler mixer

Safety Protocols for Safe DIY Feeding

1. Use Science-Based Recipes

• Rely on formulations from trusted sources:
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • University of Kentucky Poultry Department
  • Penn State Feed Calculator
• Avoid internet recipes without nutrient analysis.

2. Add Digestive Aids

• Ferment feed (see below) or add probiotics (e.g., yogurt, kefir, ACV) to improve gut health.
• Provide free-choice grit (granite or flint) for mechanical digestion.

3. Test for Mycotoxins

• If storing grains >1 month, especially in humid climates, test for aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins.
• Use mycotoxin binders (e.g., bentonite clay, yeast cell walls) in high-risk batches.

4. Rotate Ingredients

• Don’t rely on one protein or grain source long-term.
• Rotate soybean meal with canola, sunflower, or insect meal to prevent nutrient drift.

5. Monitor Flock Health Daily

• Watch for:
  • Eggshell quality
  • Dropping consistency
  • Feather condition
  • Activity level
• Keep a feed log and egg production chart.

When to Avoid DIY Feed

Homemade feed is not suitable for every situation. Stick to commercial feed if:

• You lack adequate storage for bulk grains (risk of moisture, mold, rodents).
• Your flock shows signs of nutritional deficiency (soft shells, poor growth, feather loss).
• You’re unable to mix consistent batches (e.g., hand-mixing small amounts leads to uneven distribution).
• You’re raising chicks under 6 weeks without access to lab-tested starter formulas.
• You’re in a high-pathogen area where immune support from commercial prebiotics/probiotics is critical.
• You don’t have time to monitor and adjust based on seasonal or flock changes.

Hybrid Approach: Use commercial feed as a base and supplement with homegrown grains or forage to reduce costs without risking imbalance.

Optimizing Feed Efficiency: 4 Pro Tips

1. Ferment Your Feed

• Method: Soak dry feed in water + probiotics (e.g., yogurt, kefir, or raw sauerkraut juice) for 24–72 hours.
• Benefits:
• Increases digestibility by 12–15%
• Reduces feed waste
• Enhances gut microbiome
• Birds drink less water (less wet litter)

How to Ferment:

1. Mix 1 part feed with 2 parts water.
2. Cover loosely; stir daily.
3. Use within 5 days. Discard if foul odor develops.

2. Maximize Foraging

• Allow 1–2 hours of free-range access daily.
• Rotate paddocks to prevent overgrazing.
• Plant chicken-friendly cover crops: clover, kale, comfrey, amaranth.

Forage Value: A well-managed pasture can reduce grain needs by 20–30%, especially in spring/summer.

3. Seasonal Adjustments

Season	Adjustment	Rationale
Winter	Add 5–10% fat (sunflower seeds, corn)	Birds burn more energy to stay warm
Summer	Reduce protein slightly; offer cool greens	High protein increases body heat
Molting	Boost protein to 18–20%	Feathers are 85% protein
Peak Lay	Ensure calcium supply; monitor shell quality	Hens lay daily—calcium demand is constant

4. Monitor Consumption & Waste

• Ideal daily intake: 3.5–5 oz (0.22–0.31 lbs) per laying hen
• Red flags:
• >6 oz/day: possible waste, parasites, or illness
• <3 oz/day: heat stress, disease, or poor palatability
• Use hanging feeders to reduce spillage.
• Feed twice daily—morning and late afternoon.

Final Recommendation: Is DIY Feed Right for You?

DIY chicken feed can be a rewarding, cost-effective, and ethical choice—but only when done correctly.

DIY Feed Succeeds When:

• You start with a science-backed, lab-verified recipe.
• You track feed use, egg production, and bird health meticulously.
• You invest in proper equipment (scale, mixer, storage).
• You supplement with testing and expert guidance.
• You rotate ingredients to prevent deficiencies and maintain balance.

Avoid DIY If:

• You’re relying on guesswork or anecdotal recipes.
• You lack time or resources to monitor outcomes.
• Your birds have special needs (e.g., sick, young, or breeding stock).

“Homemade feed isn’t about being cheap—it’s about knowing every nutrient going into your birds. But if you guess on calcium or protein, you’ll pay tenfold in vet bills.”
— Poultry Nutritionist, University of Maine Extension

Resources & Tools

Online Calculators & Guides

• ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture – Organic and sustainable feeding practices.

Books

• Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow
• The Chicken Health Handbook by Gail Damerow
• Feeding Poultry by G.F. Heuser (classic text with deep nutritional insight)

Testing Services

• Equi-Analytical Labs (New York) – Offers near-infrared (NIR) analysis for feed composition.
• Dairy One (New York) – Provides forage and grain testing with poultry reports.
• UMass Extension Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Lab – Affordable options for small flocks.

By combining nutritional science, practical management, and careful observation, DIY chicken feed can be a viable and responsible option for informed poultry keepers. The key is not just saving money—but ensuring that every bite supports the long-term health and productivity of your flock.