Poultry Feed Cost Per Bird
Whether you raise broilers for meat, layers for eggs or pullets coming into lay, feed is usually the biggest cost in the batch. Planning feed cost per bird before you place chicks or point-of-lay hens stops unpleasant surprises when bag prices move mid-cycle.
How do you calculate poultry feed cost per bird?
Divide total feed spend for the batch by birds that reach sale or lay. Estimate ahead by multiplying expected feed intake per bird by blended feed price per kilogram, then add chick cost and allow for mortality. The poultry feed calculator handles broiler, layer and pullet programmes in bags and rand per bird.
What makes up feed cost per bird
Total feed cost per bird is simply total feed spend for the batch divided by the number of birds that reach sale or lay. To estimate ahead of time you need:
- Number of birds placed
- Expected feed intake per bird over the programme (or per phase for broilers)
- Bag weight and price per bag for starter, grower, finisher or layer mash
- Allowance for mortality and culls
Broiler programmes are often split into starter, grower and finisher with different consumption curves. Layers are planned over weeks to point of lay and beyond. Use figures from your feed supplier’s programme sheet where possible.
Broiler example thinking
A smallholder places 200 broilers. Combined feed intake to slaughter might be 4.2 kg per bird depending on breed, target weight and days on feed. At R7.50 per kilogram blended feed cost, feed alone is about R31.50 per bird before chick cost, wood shavings, electricity and mortality.
If only 190 birds sell at R95 each, revenue is R18 050. Feed at 200 birds × R31.50 = R6 300 — but mortality means effective feed cost per sold bird is slightly higher. That is why planners reduce placed numbers or add mortality percent before dividing costs.
Layers and pullets
For layers, feed cost per bird to point of lay is a key benchmark. After lay starts, compare feed cost per dozen eggs as maize and protein prices shift. Pullets with long rearing periods tie up cash in feed before any egg income arrives — cash flow matters as much as cost per bird.
Link feed cost to selling price
Feed cost per bird is only half the picture. You need expected selling price (live broiler, dressed bird or egg income) minus chick or pullet cost, feed, bedding and processing. A batch that looks fine on feed alone can still lose money if growth is slow or market price dips during your slaughter week.
Frequently asked questions
What is poultry feed cost per bird?
Total feed spend for the batch divided by the number of birds that reach sale or lay. It is usually the largest single cost in a broiler or layer programme.
How do you estimate broiler feed cost before placing chicks?
Use expected combined feed intake to slaughter from your supplier's programme sheet, multiply by blended feed price per kilogram, and add an allowance for mortality.
Why does mortality change effective feed cost per bird sold?
Dead birds still consumed feed and chick cost, but only surviving birds generate revenue. Effective feed cost per sold bird is higher when mortality is not allowed for.
How do layers differ from broilers in feed planning?
Layers are planned over weeks to point of lay and beyond. Track feed cost per bird to lay and feed cost per dozen eggs as maize and protein prices shift.
These guides and calculators are planning tools only. Check results against your farm records, feed labels, supplier prices and professional advice from your nutritionist, veterinarian or financial adviser where needed.