How much feed do 6 chickens eat per day?

6 laying hens eat approximately 1.5 lb of feed per day based on the standard rate of 0.25 lb per bird per day.

How big should a coop be for 6 chickens?

A coop for 6 standard-size chickens needs at least 24 square feet of indoor space (4 sq ft per bird) and 60 square feet of outdoor run (10 sq ft per bird).

How many bags of feed do 6 chickens need per year?

6 layers consume about 547.5 lb of feed per year, which is roughly 10.95 standard 50-lb bags.

Can I keep 6 chickens in a small backyard?

Yes. 6 chickens need only 24 sq ft of coop space and 60 sq ft of run, which fits most suburban yards. Check local ordinances for flock-size limits in your area.

How Much Feed for 6 Chickens? (Per Day, Month & Year)

Feed & space numbers for 6 chickens

Daily feed

1.5 lb

Monthly feed (30 d)

45 lb

Annual feed

547.5 lb

50-lb bags / year

10.95

Coop space

24 sq ft

Run space

60 sq ft

Nesting boxes

Roost length

60 in

A flock of 6 chickens is an ideal starting point for backyard keepers who want fresh eggs without a large commitment. This manageable size lets you learn flock behavior, refine your feeding routine, and enjoy daily egg collection from a compact coop setup.

Keeping 6 chickens: what to expect

With 6 laying hens, your daily routine stays simple. Fill feeders in the morning, collect eggs in the afternoon, and clean the coop weekly. The modest space requirements mean this flock fits most suburban lots with room to spare.

Six is the classic backyard starter flock — enough eggs for a family of four without feeling like livestock farming. It is also the worked example baked into our feed and coop calculators.

Six birds fill a small tractor or fixed coop cleanly. You will empty the feeder about twice a week and scrub waterers often enough to notice algae before it blooms.

Six layers at peak can keep a fridge drawer stocked and leave a dozen for neighbors. Winter slowdowns are noticeable but rarely wipe the carton empty if you chose production breeds.

Budget for a hardware-cloth apron against diggers and a lockable latch — raccoon hands open spring hooks. Six birds still fit most municipal “backyard flock” caps without a special permit.

Frequently asked questions

How much feed do 6 chickens eat per day?: 6 laying hens eat approximately 1.5 lb of feed per day based on the standard rate of 0.25 lb per bird per day.
How big should a coop be for 6 chickens?: A coop for 6 standard-size chickens needs at least 24 square feet of indoor space (4 sq ft per bird) and 60 square feet of outdoor run (10 sq ft per bird).
How many bags of feed do 6 chickens need per year?: 6 layers consume about 547.5 lb of feed per year, which is roughly 10.95 standard 50-lb bags.
Can I keep 6 chickens in a small backyard?: Yes. 6 chickens need only 24 sq ft of coop space and 60 sq ft of run, which fits most suburban yards. Check local ordinances for flock-size limits in your area.

At the standard layer rate of 0.25 lb per bird per day, your 6 hens will go through 1.5 lb of feed daily, adding up to 45 lb each month and 547.5 lb over a full year. That works out to roughly 10.95 bags of 50-lb layer feed annually.

Your coop should provide at least 24 square feet of indoor floor space and 60 square feet of outdoor run. Plan for 2 nesting boxes (one per four hens, minimum two), 60 inches of roost bar, 1 waterer, and 1 feeder.

Calculate your own feed estimate

Adjust the flock size or life stage below to recalculate feed needs instantly.

Chicken feed calculator

Pre-filled for 6 birds — layers eat ~0.25 lb/bird/day.

Enter flock size to estimate feed.

Coop & run sizing for 6 chickens

Switch between standard, bantam, and meat-bird spacing to see how requirements change.

Chicken coop size calculator

Pre-filled for 6 standard birds (4 sq ft coop / 10 sq ft run each).

Enter bird count to size the coop.

Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.