Broiler Feed Budgeting: Calculating Flock Feed Requirements

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

• Broiler feed constitutes 60-70% of production costs; accurate budgeting prevents underfeeding (slowed growth) and overfeeding (financial waste, nutritional degradation). A typical Cornish Cross broiler consumes 10-12 lbs of feed for a 6-7 week grow-out, with the final two weeks accounting for nearly half of total intake.
• Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) is critical; Cornish Cross under good management averages 1.7-2.0, while slower breeds like Freedom Rangers range from 2.2-3.0. Factors like breed, feed quality, temperature (65-75°F ideal), and bird health significantly impact FCR and total feed requirements.
• Budgeting involves calculating total feed per bird (Target Weight x FCR), multiplying by flock size (including mortality allowance), and adding a 5-10% waste factor. Feed should be split into starter (21-24% protein, first 2-3 weeks), grower (19-21% protein, weeks 3-5), and finisher (17-19% protein, final week(s)) phases.
• Weekly feed consumption escalates dramatically, with week 6 consumption nearly matching weeks 1-5 combined. Budgeting errors in later weeks are more costly due to higher daily intake.
• Monitoring actual feed intake daily or weekly against budget is essential. A sudden drop (over 20%) can indicate disease (e.g., coccidiosis, respiratory infections), heat stress, or feed quality issues, necessitating prompt investigation and potential veterinary consultation.
• Feed should be stored in clean, dry, rodent-proof conditions and used within 4-6 weeks of manufacture to maintain nutritional integrity. Ordering feed in 2-3 week batches prevents spoilage and ties up less capital.

Feeding broilers accounts for 60 to 70 percent of total production costs on most commercial and small farm operations. Getting the feed budget wrong in either direction creates real problems. Underfeeding slows growth and delays market age. Overfeeding wastes money and leaves you with stale feed that loses nutritional value. This guide walks through how to calculate broiler feed requirements for any flock size, how to track consumption by week, how to budget feed costs per bird, and how to adjust your plan when birds are not eating as expected. It is written for broiler growers who raise Cornish Cross or other meat breeds, whether you are managing 50 birds or 5,000.

At a Glance

• A typical broiler eats about 4.5 to 5.5 pounds of feed for every pound of body weight gained, depending on breed and management.
• A standard Cornish Cross broiler processed at 6 to 7 weeks will consume roughly 10 to 12 pounds of total feed per bird.
• Feed consumption increases sharply each week. The final two weeks before processing account for nearly half of total feed consumed.
• Budget 5 to 10 percent extra feed beyond your calculated total to account for spillage, waste, and slower-eating birds.
• Starter feed (higher protein) is fed for the first 2 to 3 weeks, grower feed for weeks 3 to 5, and finisher feed for the final week or two.
• Track feed intake daily or at least weekly. A sudden drop in consumption is often the first sign of disease, heat stress, or a feed quality problem.
• Feed cost per bird varies by region and ingredient prices, but planning at $0.25 to $0.35 per pound of feed is a reasonable starting estimate for many areas.
• Order feed in batches that match your weekly consumption so feed does not sit in storage longer than 2 to 3 weeks.

Understanding Broiler Feed Requirements

Broiler feed budgeting starts with understanding how broilers grow and eat. Broilers are bred for rapid weight gain and efficient feed conversion. A modern Cornish Cross broiler can reach 5 to 6 pounds of body weight in 6 to 7 weeks. That growth requires a carefully balanced diet and a predictable pattern of feed intake.

The feed conversion ratio, or FCR, is the key number in any feed budget. FCR is the amount of feed required to produce one pound of live body weight. If a bird eats 10 pounds of feed and gains 5 pounds, the FCR is 2.0. A lower FCR means better efficiency.

Typical FCR values for broilers vary by breed and management system:

• Cornish Cross under good management: 1.7 to 2.0
• Freedom Rangers or slower-growing breeds: 2.2 to 3.0
• Backyard mixed breeds: 3.0 to 4.0 or higher

These numbers assume you are feeding a complete commercial ration appropriate for the bird's age. Feeding a lower quality feed, allowing birds to forage for a significant portion of their diet, or keeping birds in poor environmental conditions will all raise the FCR.

Why Feed Requirements Change Week by Week

Broilers do not eat at a constant rate. Day-old chicks eat very little, often less than half an ounce per bird per day. By week 6, a full-sized broiler may eat 7 to 8 ounces per day. The weekly increase is dramatic and predictable.

Here is a typical weekly feed consumption pattern for a Cornish Cross broiler raised to 6.5 weeks:

These figures assume a standard 5.5 to 6 pound processing weight and an FCR around 2.0. Your actual numbers will vary with breed, feed quality, temperature, and bird health.

The important takeaway is that the last two weeks of the grow-out period account for roughly half of all feed consumed. Budgeting errors in the early weeks are easier to correct. Budgeting errors in the final weeks are expensive because the birds are eating so much.

Factors That Change Feed Requirements

Several factors can shift your feed budget up or down. Plan for these variables before you order feed.

Breed selection changes everything. Cornish Cross broilers are the most feed-efficient meat breed available. They convert feed to muscle at a remarkable rate. Slower-growing heritage breeds like Freedom Rangers or Red Rangers need more feed per pound of gain, sometimes 30 to 50 percent more. They also take longer to reach processing weight, which means more days of maintenance feeding.

Temperature affects feed intake. Broilers eat more in cold weather because they burn calories to stay warm. They eat less in hot weather because heat stress suppresses appetite. The ideal temperature range for broilers is roughly 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the grow-out period. Chicks need supplemental heat for the first few weeks and will not follow this pattern until they are fully feathered.

Feed quality matters enormously. A complete commercial ration formulated for broilers contains the right balance of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. If you substitute lower quality feed, or if feed sits in storage too long and loses vitamin potency, birds will eat more feed to try to meet their nutritional needs. The FCR goes up and your budget goes with it.

Bird health is the wild card. Coccidiosis, respiratory disease, and digestive issues all reduce feed intake and feed efficiency. A sick flock can easily need 20 to 30 percent more feed to reach the same processing weight, if they reach it at all.

How to Calculate Your Broiler Feed Budget

Calculating a broiler feed budget is a straightforward process once you know your target processing weight, your expected FCR, and your flock size. Work through these steps in order.

Step 1: Set Your Target Processing Weight

Decide what weight you want your birds to reach before processing. This is a management decision, not a fixed number. Common targets are:

• 4 to 5 pounds live weight for a smaller roasting bird
• 5.5 to 6.5 pounds live weight for a standard whole broiler
• 7 to 8 pounds live weight for a larger bird or for further processing into parts

Your target weight determines how long you will grow the birds and how much total feed they will consume. Heavier birds require more total feed, but the FCR often improves slightly as birds approach market weight because they are putting on efficient muscle gain.

Step 2: Estimate Your Expected Feed Conversion Ratio

Use your breed and management system to estimate FCR. If you have grown the same breed before, use your own records. If this is your first flock, use these starting estimates:

• Cornish Cross with commercial feed and good management: 1.8 to 2.0
• Cornish Cross with slightly less ideal conditions: 2.0 to 2.3
• Slower-growing breeds like Freedom Rangers: 2.5 to 3.0
• Mixed breed or backyard broilers with foraging: 3.0 to 4.0

Be honest with yourself about your management. If you are raising birds outdoors in a pasture pen with some foraging, your FCR will be higher than a climate-controlled barn with automated feeders. That is fine, but your feed budget needs to reflect reality.

Step 3: Calculate Total Feed per Bird

Multiply your target processing weight by your expected FCR.

Total feed per bird = Target live weight x FCR

For a 6 pound bird with an FCR of 2.0:

6 lb x 2.0 = 12 lb of feed per bird

For a 5 pound bird with an FCR of 2.5:

5 lb x 2.5 = 12.5 lb of feed per bird

Step 4: Multiply by Flock Size

Multiply the per-bird feed total by the number of birds you plan to raise. Include a mortality allowance if you expect any losses.

Total flock feed = Total feed per bird x Number of birds

For 100 birds at 12 pounds per bird:

12 lb x 100 = 1,200 lb of feed

If you expect 5 percent mortality, add 5 percent to your bird count for budgeting purposes. For 100 birds, budget for 105 birds:

12 lb x 105 = 1,260 lb of feed

Step 5: Add a Waste Factor

No feeding system is perfectly efficient. Feed gets spilled, spoiled, or refused. Add 5 to 10 percent to your total to cover this waste.

Adjusted feed total = Total flock feed x 1.05 to 1.10

Using the example above with a 10 percent waste factor:

1,260 lb x 1.10 = 1,386 lb of feed

This is the amount of feed you should plan to purchase.

Step 6: Split Feed by Phase

Broilers need different feed formulations at different ages. Split your total feed budget into the three standard phases.

Starter feed is highest in protein, typically 21 to 24 percent, and is fed for the first 2 to 3 weeks. Chicks eat relatively little during this phase, about 15 to 20 percent of total feed consumption.

Grower feed is typically 19 to 21 percent protein and is fed from about week 3 to week 5. This phase accounts for roughly 35 to 40 percent of total feed.

Finisher feed is typically 17 to 19 percent protein and is fed for the final week or two before processing. This phase accounts for roughly 40 to 50 percent of total feed.

Using a 1,386 pound total feed budget:

• Starter: 15 to 20 percent, or 208 to 277 lb
• Grower: 35 to 40 percent, or 485 to 554 lb
• Finisher: 40 to 50 percent, or 554 to 693 lb

Check with your feed supplier for exact recommendations. Some suppliers sell a complete starter-grower feed that works for the entire grow-out period, which simplifies budgeting.

Step 7: Calculate Feed Cost per Bird

Multiply your total feed per bird by the price per pound of feed. Feed prices vary widely by region and by ingredient costs.

Feed cost per bird = Total feed per bird x Price per pound

If feed costs $0.30 per pound and each bird eats 12 pounds:

12 lb x $0.30 = $3.60 per bird

For a flock of 100 birds, that is $360 in feed costs. Add the waste factor and your actual cost will be closer to $396.

Step 8: Build a Weekly Ordering Schedule

Do not buy all your feed at once. Feed loses nutritional value over time, especially vitamins. Order feed in batches that match your weekly consumption.

Use the weekly consumption table from earlier in this article to estimate how much feed you will need each week. For a 100 bird flock:

Order starter feed for weeks 1 and 2, grower feed for weeks 3 through 5, and finisher feed for week 6. Adjust the schedule based on your actual processing date and the specific feed phases recommended by your supplier.

Using a Broiler Feed Consumption Calculator

A feed consumption calculator is a simple spreadsheet or formula that helps you track actual feed use against your budget. You do not need special software. A notebook and a kitchen scale work fine for small flocks. A spreadsheet is better for larger operations.

The Basic Calculator Formula

The core formula for tracking feed consumption is:

Feed consumed = Feed offered minus Feed remaining

Weigh your feeder before filling it. Record the weight. At the end of the day or week, weigh the feeder again. The difference is what the birds actually consumed.

For a more useful calculation, track consumption per bird:

Feed per bird = Total feed consumed divided by Number of birds

Compare this number to your budgeted amount each week. If your birds are eating significantly more or less than expected, investigate the cause.

Building a Simple Tracking Spreadsheet

Set up a spreadsheet with these columns:

• Date
• Flock age in days
• Number of birds
• Feed type (starter, grower, finisher)
• Feed added (pounds)
• Feed remaining (pounds)
• Feed consumed (pounds)
• Feed per bird (pounds)
• Cumulative feed per bird (pounds)

Update the spreadsheet every time you add feed or at least once per week. The cumulative column is the most important. It tells you whether your flock is on track with your budget.

Using the Calculator to Adjust Orders

Your weekly feed consumption numbers tell you when to order more feed. If you budgeted 170 pounds of feed for week 3 and your birds actually ate 190 pounds, you need to adjust your next order. Do not wait until the feeder is empty to reorder. Feed delivery can take days, and running out of feed for even 24 hours will set back growth.

A good rule is to order new feed when you have about one week of feed remaining in storage. This gives you a buffer for delivery delays while ensuring feed does not sit too long.

How Much Feed Do Broilers Need by Week

Understanding weekly feed consumption helps you plan orders, spot problems, and adjust your budget. The following table shows typical weekly consumption for a Cornish Cross broiler raised to about 6.5 weeks. Use it as a baseline and adjust based on your own records.

These numbers assume a target processing weight of about 6 pounds and an FCR near 2.0. If you are raising birds to a different weight or using a different breed, adjust accordingly.

Week 1: Getting Chicks Started

Day-old chicks need to find feed and water quickly. Spread feed on paper or in shallow lids for the first few days so chicks can access it easily. Chicks eat very small amounts, often less than 0.1 pound per bird per day.

Monitor feed intake closely in the first week. Chicks that do not learn to eat and drink in the first 48 hours will struggle to catch up. If you see chicks huddling or not active, check that feed and water are accessible.

Week 2: Appetite Begins to Build

By week 2, chicks are eating noticeably more. Daily consumption roughly doubles from week 1. This is also when you should transition from the paper feeding method to regular feeders if you have not already.

Keep feeders full but not overflowing. Chicks will scratch and waste feed if the feeder is too full. Fill feeders to about half capacity and check them twice daily.

Week 3: The Growth Spurt Starts

Week 3 marks the beginning of rapid growth. Feed consumption jumps again, and you will notice birds filling out. This is also the typical time to transition from starter to grower feed.

Make the feed transition gradually over 3 to 4 days. Mix increasing amounts of the new feed with the old feed to avoid digestive upset. A sudden switch can cause birds to eat less for a day or two, which slows growth.

Week 4: Rapid Consumption Increase

By week 4, birds are eating more than a third of a pound per bird per day. This is when your feed budget really starts to matter. A 100 bird flock will go through 250 pounds of feed in a single week.

Check your feeders daily. Birds at this age can empty a feeder quickly, and running out of feed for even a few hours will slow growth.

Week 5: Preparing for the Final Push

Week 5 is the heaviest feeding period before the final week. Birds are close to their target weight and eating near their maximum. Feed consumption per bird is roughly double what it was in week 3.

If you are processing at 6 weeks, week 5 is your last full week of grower feed before switching to finisher. Start the transition at the end of week 5.

Week 6: Finishing and Processing

The final week before processing is the most feed-intensive. Birds eat the most they will ever eat, and every pound of feed goes toward the last bit of weight gain.

Switch to finisher feed for this week if you are using a three-phase feeding program. Some growers feed finisher for 7 to 10 days before processing. Check with your feed supplier for their recommendation.

If your birds will reach target weight before the end of week 6, you can process early and save feed. If they are behind schedule, you will need to budget for an extra week of feed.

Broiler Feed Cost Per Bird

Feed cost per bird is one of the most important numbers in your broiler enterprise budget. It determines whether you can sell birds at a profit and how much margin you have for other costs.

Estimating Feed Cost

Feed cost per bird depends on two numbers: total feed consumed and price per pound of feed.

Feed cost per bird = Total feed per bird x Price per pound

Using the standard 12 pounds of feed per bird and a price of $0.30 per pound:

12 lb x $0.30 = $3.60 per bird

The price per pound varies significantly by region and by feed type. Starter feed is usually the most expensive because of its higher protein content. Finisher feed is usually the least expensive.

Typical feed prices in the United States range from $0.20 to $0.40 per pound for commercial broiler rations, depending on your location, the feed mill, and current grain prices. Organic feed can cost significantly more, sometimes $0.50 to $0.70 per pound.

Calculating Total Feed Cost for a Flock

To calculate total feed cost for a flock, use your adjusted feed total from earlier. That number already includes your waste factor.

Total feed cost = Adjusted feed total x Price per pound

For 100 birds with an adjusted feed total of 1,386 pounds at $0.30 per pound:

1,386 lb x $0.30 = $415.80

Compare this to your expected revenue from selling the birds. If you sell whole broilers at $3.50 per pound live weight, a 6 pound bird brings $21.00. For 100 birds, that is $2,100 in gross revenue. Feed costs of $415.80 represent about 20 percent of gross revenue, which is typical for a well-managed operation.

Reducing Feed Cost Without Sacrificing Growth

You can reduce feed cost per bird in several ways without hurting performance.

Buy feed in larger quantities. Many feed mills offer volume discounts. If you have storage capacity, buying a ton at a time is usually cheaper per pound than buying 50 pound bags.

Compare prices between feed suppliers. Prices can vary by 10 to 20 percent between mills in the same region. Call around and ask for current prices on broiler starter, grower, and finisher feeds.

Minimize waste. Proper feeder adjustment can save 5 percent or more of your total feed. Set feeders so the lip is at the height of the birds backs. This reduces spillage and keeps birds from scratching feed out.

Avoid overfeeding. Only put as much feed in the feeder as birds will eat in a day or two. Feed that sits in the feeder can become stale or contaminated with droppings, and birds will eat less of it.

Process at the right weight. Every extra week of feeding costs money. If your birds reach target weight at 6 weeks, process them at 6 weeks. Waiting an extra week adds feed cost with diminishing returns in weight gain.

Common Mistakes in Broiler Feed Budgeting

Farmers make several recurring mistakes when budgeting broiler feed. Recognizing these mistakes before you make them will save money and prevent problems.

Mistake 1: Underestimating Total Feed

The most common mistake is underestimating how much feed broilers actually eat. New growers often look at the small feed intake of week 1 chicks and assume the total will be modest. They do not account for the explosive growth in consumption during weeks 4 through 6.

A related mistake is forgetting to add a waste factor. Even the best managed feeders lose some feed to spillage. Add 5 to 10 percent to your calculated total and you will not run short.

Mistake 2: Ordering All Feed at Once

Buying all your feed upfront seems convenient, but it creates problems. Feed loses nutritional value over time, especially vitamins and other heat-sensitive nutrients. Feed stored for more than a month will not support the same growth rate as fresh feed.

Ordering all feed at once also ties up capital. You could be using that money for other inputs or holding it in reserve for unexpected costs.

Order feed in batches that match your weekly consumption. This keeps feed fresh and keeps your cash flow manageable.

Mistake 3: Switching Feeds Too Quickly

Broilers have sensitive digestive systems. Switching from starter to grower or grower to finisher over a single day can cause a drop in feed intake and digestive upset. The birds may eat less for several days, which slows growth and lowers your effective FCR.

Make feed transitions gradually over 3 to 4 days. Mix 25 percent new feed with 75 percent old feed for the first day, then 50/50, then 75/25, then 100 percent new feed.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Water Consumption

Feed intake and water intake are closely linked. Broilers drink roughly twice as much water as they eat feed by weight. If water is not available or is poor quality, birds will eat less.

Check water lines and drinkers daily. Clean them regularly. In hot weather, birds may drink even more, and a water shortage will quickly reduce feed intake.

Mistake 5: Not Adjusting for Temperature

Broilers eat more in cold weather and less in hot weather. If you raise birds during a cold snap without providing enough heat, they will burn calories to stay warm and eat more feed. If you raise birds during a heat wave without adequate ventilation or cooling, they will eat less and gain weight more slowly.

Adjust your feed budget for the season. Add 5 to 10 percent for cold weather grow-outs. Expect slower weight gain and potentially higher FCR during hot weather.

Mistake 6: Using the Wrong Breed Assumptions

Feed budgets built for Cornish Cross do not apply to slower-growing breeds. Heritage breeds and dual-purpose breeds eat more feed per pound of gain and take longer to reach processing weight. Their total feed consumption can be 50 percent higher than a Cornish Cross at the same weight.

If you are raising a breed other than Cornish Cross, use FCR estimates specific to that breed. Do not assume your feed budget will match what you read about standard broiler production.

Mistake 7: Not Weighing Feed

Guessing how much feed is in a feeder is unreliable. A feeder that looks half full might actually be two-thirds full or one-third full depending on how the feed settled.

Weigh your feed when you add it and weigh what remains when you track consumption. This gives you accurate data for adjusting your budget.

Monitoring Feed Intake and Adjusting Your Budget

Regular monitoring of feed intake is the best way to stay on budget and catch problems early. A sudden change in feed consumption is often the first sign that something is wrong with the birds, the feed, or the environment.

Daily Checks

Check feeders and waterers at least twice daily. Look for:

• Empty feeders or feeders that are nearly empty
• Feed that is wet, moldy, or contaminated with droppings
• Waterers that are empty, leaking, or dirty
• Birds that are not eating or are huddled in a corner

Weigh feed each time you add it. Write down the amount in your tracking sheet.

Weekly Assessments

Once per week, do a more formal assessment. Weigh the feed remaining in your feeders and calculate actual consumption for the week. Compare this to your budgeted amount.

If consumption is within 5 percent of your budget, you are on track. If it is more than 10 percent off, investigate the cause.

Signs That Feed Consumption Is Too Low

A drop in feed intake is one of the earliest signs of illness in broilers. Birds that are developing coccidiosis, respiratory disease, or other infections often stop eating before they show other symptoms.

Other causes of low feed intake include:

• Heat stress. Birds eat less when they are too hot. Provide adequate ventilation and consider adjusting feeding times to cooler parts of the day.
• Poor feed quality. Feed that is stale, moldy, or contaminated will be refused. Check feed for off odors or visible mold.
• Water problems. Birds cannot eat if they cannot drink. Check that all drinkers are working.
• Feed transition stress. If you recently switched feed types, birds may need time to adjust.
• Overcrowding. Too many birds per feeder means some birds cannot access feed. Provide enough feeder space for all birds to eat at once.

Signs That Feed Consumption Is Too High

Higher than expected feed consumption can also signal problems. Birds that eat more than budgeted may be wasting feed, or they may be trying to compensate for a nutritional deficiency.

Possible causes include:

• Feed waste from poorly adjusted feeders
• Cold temperatures causing birds to eat more for warmth
• Feed that is lower in energy or protein than expected
• Internal parasites that compete with the bird for nutrients

If your birds are eating more than budgeted but gaining weight normally, you may have a feed quality issue. Check the feed tag and talk to your supplier.

Adjusting Your Budget Mid-Flock

Do not wait until the end of the grow-out to adjust your feed budget. If your birds are eating faster than expected, order more feed now. If they are eating slower, you may be able to reduce your next order.

Use your weekly consumption data to project total feed use. Divide the feed remaining in your budget by the weeks left in the grow-out. If that number is higher than your current weekly consumption, you have a surplus. If it is lower, you need to order more.

Feed Storage and Quality Management

Proper feed storage is part of feed budgeting. Feed that spoils or loses nutritional value is wasted money, even if you accounted for it in your budget.

Storage Conditions

Store feed in a clean, dry, rodent-proof container. Metal garbage cans with tight lids work well for small flocks. Bulk bins are better for larger operations.

Keep feed off the floor. Palletize bags or use a platform to prevent moisture from wicking up from concrete. Keep the storage area clean and free of spilled feed that attracts rodents and insects.

Shelf Life of Broiler Feed

Commercial broiler feed is formulated to be fed within a certain time frame. Most feed mills recommend using feed within 4 to 6 weeks of manufacture. Vitamins degrade over time, and feed that sits too long will not support optimal growth.

Buy feed in batches that you will use within 2 to 3 weeks. This ensures freshness and reduces the risk of spoilage.

Signs of Feed Spoilage

Check feed regularly for signs of spoilage:

• Mold growth, which appears as fuzzy patches of white, green, or black
• Off odors, including musty, sour, or fermented smells
• Clumping or caking, which indicates moisture
• Insect infestation, including weevils or other grain pests

Discard spoiled feed immediately. Do not feed it to birds, as moldy feed can cause serious health problems.

Recordkeeping for Feed Budgeting

Good records are the foundation of accurate feed budgeting. You cannot improve what you do not measure. Keep these records for every flock.

Essential Records

Maintain a flock record sheet with these fields:

• Flock start date
• Number of chicks placed
• Breed
• Feed type and source
• Daily feed additions by weight
• Weekly feed consumption
• Weekly average bird weight
• Feed conversion ratio by week
• Mortality and culls
• Processing date and total weight

Calculating Your Actual FCR

At the end of the grow-out, calculate your actual FCR. This is the most important number for planning your next flock.

Actual FCR = Total feed consumed divided by Total live weight produced

If 100 birds consumed 1,300 pounds of feed and produced 600 pounds of live weight:

1,300 lb divided by 600 lb = 2.17 FCR

Compare this to your budgeted FCR. If your actual FCR is higher than budgeted, look for causes. If it is lower, your management is better than expected and you can tighten your next budget.

Tracking Feed Costs

Keep records of feed prices and total feed costs for each flock. This helps you identify trends and compare prices between suppliers. It also gives you the data you need to calculate your cost per pound of live weight produced.

Cost per pound of live weight = Total feed cost divided by Total live weight produced

This number is essential for pricing your birds and evaluating the profitability of your operation.

When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent

Most feed budgeting problems are management issues that you can solve yourself. But some situations require professional help.

Call a Veterinarian When

Contact a veterinarian if you see any of these signs:

• Feed consumption drops suddenly by more than 20 percent with no obvious cause
• Birds show signs of illness, including lethargy, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, or swelling
• Mortality increases above 1 percent in a single day
• Birds are not gaining weight despite adequate feed intake
• You suspect a feed-related health problem, such as mold toxicity

A veterinarian can help diagnose disease, recommend treatment, and advise on whether to adjust your feeding program.

Call an Extension Agent When

Your local agricultural extension agent is a good resource for feed budgeting questions. Contact them if:

• You need help formulating a feed budget for a new breed or production system
• You want to compare your FCR to regional averages
• You are considering changing feed suppliers or feed formulations
• You need help interpreting your flock records
• You have questions about feed quality or nutritional requirements

Extension agents have access to research-based information and can often provide localized guidance on feed prices and availability.

Reportable Diseases

Some diseases that affect feed intake are reportable to state or federal authorities. Avian influenza is the most important example. If you see sudden mortality, respiratory distress, or a sharp drop in feed and water consumption, contact your veterinarian or state animal health official immediately. Do not wait to see if birds improve on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much feed does a broiler chicken eat in total?

A standard Cornish Cross broiler raised to 6 pounds will eat approximately 10 to 12 pounds of feed over a 6 to 7 week grow-out period. Slower-growing breeds will eat more, often 15 to 18 pounds, because they take longer to reach processing weight and are less feed-efficient. The exact amount depends on breed, feed quality, environmental conditions, and bird health.

How much feed do 100 broilers need?

A flock of 100 Cornish Cross broilers raised to 6 pounds will need approximately 1,200 to 1,400 pounds of feed, including a waste factor of 5 to 10 percent. If you are raising slower-growing breeds, plan for 1,500 to 1,800 pounds. Order feed in weekly batches rather than all at once to keep feed fresh and manage cash flow.

What is a good feed conversion ratio for broilers?

A good FCR for Cornish Cross broilers under commercial management is 1.7 to 2.0. Small farm operations with good management typically see 2.0 to 2.3. Slower-growing breeds like Freedom Rangers will have FCRs of 2.5 to 3.0 or higher. Your actual FCR depends on feed quality, environmental conditions, bird health, and management practices.

How do I calculate broiler feed cost per bird?

Multiply the total feed consumed per bird by the price per pound of feed. For example, if each bird eats 12 pounds of feed and feed costs $0.30 per pound, the feed cost per bird is $3.60. Add 5 to 10 percent for waste and your actual cost will be closer to $3.78 to $3.96 per bird.

How often should I feed broilers?

Broilers should have access to feed at all times. They eat small amounts frequently throughout the day, and restricting feed will slow growth and increase FCR. Check feeders at least twice daily and refill before they run empty. Adjust feeder height as birds grow to minimize waste.

Can I reduce feed costs by feeding broilers less?

No. Broilers are bred for rapid growth and need continuous access to feed to reach market weight efficiently. Restricting feed slows growth, extends the grow-out period, and often results in a worse overall FCR. You will spend more on feed per pound of meat produced, not less. Focus on reducing waste and buying feed at the best price instead.

How do I know if my broilers are eating enough?

Compare your actual feed consumption to the expected weekly amounts for your breed and age. Weigh feed as you add it and track consumption weekly. Birds that are eating within 10 percent of expected amounts are likely on track. A sudden drop in consumption of more than 20 percent warrants investigation.

What should I do if my broilers stop eating?

First, check water availability and quality. Birds will not eat if they cannot drink. Next, examine the feed for mold, off odors, or contamination. Check environmental conditions, especially temperature. If you cannot find an obvious cause, contact a veterinarian. A sudden drop in feed intake is often an early sign of disease.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related farming guides on poultry production, feed management, and flock health. Check back for updated content on broiler management, feed formulation, and poultry enterprise budgeting.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Poultry Farm Fencing: Materials, Design, and Predator Exclusion
• Broiler House Wind Speed and Airflow Measurement
• Broiler House Heating Systems: Types and Efficiency

References

• FAO Poultry Production: https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/en/
• USDA APHIS Poultry Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian
• WOAH Avian Influenza: https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/
• FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
• WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.