For poultry farmers managing 100 laying hens, feed is undeniably the largest recurring expense and a crucial determinant of success. The question, ‘How many bags of feed will 100 layers need per month?’ goes beyond mere calculation; it’s about ensuring a healthy, productive, and profitable flock without unnecessary waste.
This guide dives deep into the complexities of feed management, moving beyond guesswork to provide actionable, data-driven strategies. We’ll explore the fundamental nutritional needs of laying hens, the direct link between accurate feed calculation and egg production, and why a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach simply doesn’t work.
From understanding daily feed intake and scaling it to monthly requirements, to navigating feed types, costs, and optimizing feed efficiency, this guide equips you with the knowledge to make every gram of feed count. Let’s build your poultry operation on solid ground, not trial and error.
Why Understanding Nutritional Needs Is a Non-Negotiable
Think of your layer hens like athletes. They need the right fuel—every single day—to stay in peak egg-laying condition. And I don’t just mean tossing in some grain and hoping for the best. I’m talking about balancing proteins, calcium, energy, amino acids, and minerals to keep them laying consistently, with strong shells and high-quality yolks.
According to the NRC’s Nutrient Requirements of Poultry, a productive layer’s daily feed should contain:
- 16–18% crude protein for tissue maintenance and egg development,
- 2700–2900 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy to keep their systems running,
- 3.5–4.5% calcium, mainly for shell formation (each egg shell uses up to 2 grams of it),
- Plus essential amino acids, phosphorus, and micronutrients.
These aren’t optional. Miss the mark, and your egg count drops—or worse, your hens get sick or develop soft-shelled eggs.
The Link Between Accurate Feed Calculation and Egg Production
Here’s where it all connects: what your hens eat directly determines what they produce. Every gram of feed contributes to the next egg. But feed intake isn’t constant—it varies with temperature, bird age, laying phase, and even stress levels. So using a fixed estimate (like “one bag a week”) just isn’t precise enough.
Instead, you need to approach feed planning like a pro:
- Know how much feed one bird consumes daily.
- Multiply it by your flock size.
- Convert that into monthly totals.
- Translate that into standard 25kg or 50kg feed bags.
- Factor in wastage, feed type, and price fluctuations.
We’ll cover all of that in detail. But here’s the key: without this level of calculation, you’re either underfeeding and losing eggs, or overspending and bleeding cash.
And if you’re feeding 100 layers, a few percentage points of waste or miscalculation can mean dozens of eggs lost—or thousands of naira down the drain every month.
A Quick Reality Check: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Many new poultry farmers fall into the trap of thinking, “Well, my neighbor uses 10 bags a month for 100 hens, so I’ll just copy that.” But flock management isn’t a copy-paste job.
Why?
Because feed intake is influenced by:
- Feed quality (Are you using layer mash or pelletized feed?)
- Hen age and productivity
- Weather conditions (Hotter temps = less feed intake)
- Management practices (Do your birds waste feed? Are feeders overflowing?)
Without factoring these in, you might be spending more—or getting less—than you should.
That’s why this guide breaks everything down clearly, with real-world math and practical examples. We’re not just talking theory. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty of how many bags of feed you’ll actually need, based on daily intake, monthly totals, and bag size conversions.
Here’s What You’ll Learn Next
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, we’ll walk step-by-step through:
- How much feed each layer hen eats per day (and what affects it),
- How to scale that to 100 hens per month,
- How to convert kilograms into standard feed bags,
- What different feed types and bag sizes mean for your planning,
- And how to save money without compromising egg output.
By the end of this series, you’ll not only know how many bags of feed your flock needs—you’ll know how to make every gram count.
Ready to feed smarter and grow your layer business the right way?
Up next: How Much Feed Does One Layer Chicken Eat Per Day? (And What Affects It?)
How Much Feed Does One Layer Chicken Eat Per Day? (And What Affects It?)
To accurately determine the monthly feed requirements for your flock, we must first understand the daily feed consumption of a single layer hen. On average, an adult layer chicken consumes between 100 to 120 grams of feed per day.
This baseline, while seemingly small, accumulates rapidly across 100 hens, significantly impacting your monthly feed budget. However, this number isn’t constant. Several factors influence daily feed intake, and understanding these is essential for effective feed management.
Daily Feed Intake per Layer Hen
To provide a more precise calculation, the average daily consumption is between 100 to 120 grams of feed per chicken. That might not sound like much individually, but across 100 hens, that adds up fast—about 10 to 12 kg per day, or 300 to 360 kg per month. That’s the baseline most poultry farmers use when planning feed purchases.
This daily amount is based on data from Poultry Hub Australia and University of Florida Extension, two globally respected authorities on poultry nutrition.
But here’s the catch: that number isn’t carved in stone. Feed intake can swing either way depending on several real-world factors.
Factors Influencing Feed Consumption Rates
1. Age and Stage of Production
Pullets don’t eat like mature layers. As birds transition into full production (around 18–20 weeks old), their feed intake naturally increases to meet the demands of egg laying. Mature hens in peak lay are the hungriest.
- Young pullets (15–17 weeks): ~80g/day
- Point-of-lay (18–21 weeks): ~95g/day
- Peak layers (22+ weeks): ~110–120g/day
Pro tip: Always match feed type to age. Starter, grower, and layer feeds are formulated differently for a reason.
2. Breed Differences
Not all chickens are built the same. Commercial hybrid breeds like ISA Brown or Hy-Line Brown are efficient eaters, needing less feed per egg compared to traditional or dual-purpose breeds like Rhode Island Reds, which while consuming more feed, also provide meat. While the intake might only differ by a few grams per day, it stacks up over a month.
3. Climate and Environment
Hot day? Expect lower feed intake. Cold weather? Your hens will eat more to keep warm. Temperature extremes affect appetite directly:
- Cold seasons: Increased feed intake for energy
- Hot climates: Decreased feed intake, risk of production drop
Tip: Use ventilation and cooling techniques during heatwaves to keep feed intake (and egg production) stable.
4. Feed Quality and Composition
Feed is only as good as its ingredients. Poor-quality or unbalanced rations can cause chickens to either overeat or underperform. A high-quality layer feed should contain:
- ~16–18% Crude Protein
- Balanced calcium (3.5–4.5%) for strong shells
- Sufficient energy from maize or wheat
- Added vitamins and minerals
If your hens aren’t eating well, the first thing to check is the feed’s freshness, particle size, and nutrient profile.
5. Water Access
You’d be surprised how much water affects feed intake. Chickens drink twice as much water as feed by weight. So, if a bird eats 110g of feed, she needs about 220ml of water.
Limited water = lower feed intake = fewer eggs.
Keep water cool, clean, and always available.
6. Stress and Disease
Parasites, overcrowding, loud noises, and poor sanitation can all lead to stress and suppressed appetite. A stressed hen is a poor eater—and a poor layer. Regular deworming, biosecurity, and stress-free environments help keep feed intake steady.
7. Feeding Practices
Yes, the way you feed matters. Use the right feeders, avoid spillage, and space them out to reduce competition. For 100 layers, you’ll need enough feeding space so no bird has to fight for food. Birds pushed out of the feeder zone don’t eat enough, and their productivity drops.
Summary
Getting feed intake right isn’t just good nutrition—it’s smart business. If your hens eat too little, production drops. If they eat too much, you’re wasting money. Monitor their behavior, keep a log of consumption trends, and adjust according to the season, age, and health status of your flock.
Up next, we’ll use this data to calculate exactly how many bags of feed 100 layers need per month—and how to make that number work for your budget.
Got a tip or question about your hens’ eating habits?
How Much Feed Do 100 Layers Need in a Month?
Building upon our understanding of daily feed consumption, let’s now calculate the total monthly feed requirement for 100 laying hens. As a reminder, we’re using an average of 110 grams of feed per hen per day for our calculations, representing a typical daily intake for mature layers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Your Total Monthly Feed
How Much Feed Does One Layer Eat Per Day?
On average, a healthy adult layer will eat about 100 to 120 grams of feed per day. Let’s settle on 110 grams per hen for our calculations. This gives us a nice middle ground for a typical layer chicken’s daily feed intake.
Total Daily Feed for 100 Hens
If each hen eats 110 grams per day, for 100 hens, the total daily consumption will be:
- 110 grams x 100 hens = 11,000 grams, or 11 kilograms per day.
Simple enough, right?
Total Monthly Feed Requirement
Now, let’s take that daily feed amount and multiply it by 30 days in a month:
- 11 kg x 30 days = 330 kilograms of feed per month. This is the total amount of feed your 100 layers will consume in one month.
Converting Feed Weight to Standard Bag Measurements
Feed typically comes in bags of either 25 kg or 50 kg, so let’s figure out how many bags you’ll need to buy each month.
For 25 kg Bags:
- 330 kg ÷ 25 kg/bag = 13.2 bags.
You’d need to purchase 14 bags to make sure you have enough feed for the month.
For 50 kg Bags:
- 330 kg ÷ 50 kg/bag = 6.6 bags.
In this case, you’ll need to buy 7 bags to cover your monthly feed requirement.
Tip: It’s always a good idea to round up your feed purchases to avoid running out halfway through the month.
With this simple calculation, you can make sure your chickens are always well-fed and ready to lay, without worrying about running short on feed. It’s always a good idea to round up your feed purchases to avoid running out halfway through the month, and perhaps add a small buffer of an extra half bag, to account for potential waste.
Estimating the Number of Feed Bags Needed for 100 Layers Per Month
With the monthly feed requirement established, we can now translate this into practical terms: how many standard feed bags are needed? To recap, we’re working with an average daily consumption of 120 grams per hen, leading to a monthly requirement of 360 kg for 100 layers. Let’s explore how this translates into standard feed bag measurements and how to adjust for various feed types and bag sizes.
How Much Feed Does One Hen Eat Per Day?
To get accurate monthly figures, we start with the basics—how much a single hen eats daily. It varies based on age, environment, and diet quality. On average:
- Young layers (around 20–22 weeks old) eat about 100 grams per day.
- Mature layers in full production eat around 120–140 grams daily, depending on breed, weather, and feed formulation.
For this example, we’ll use the midpoint: 120 grams per day.
Monthly Feed Requirement for 100 Layers
Let’s do the math step-by-step:
- Daily feed for 100 layers: 120 grams × 100 hens = 12,000 grams or 12 kg per day
- Monthly feed requirement (30 days): 12 kg × 30 days = 360 kg per month
How Many Feed Bags Is That?
Most poultry feeds are sold in 50 kg bags, so let’s divide:
- 360 kg ÷ 50 kg = 7.2 bags
Rounding up, you’ll need about 8 full bags of feed per month for 100 layers—and it’s a smart move to keep an extra half bag as a buffer in case of spillages, increased consumption, or delayed deliveries.
What If You’re Using Smaller Feed Bags?
If you’re using 25 kg bags instead, here’s how it looks:
- 360 kg ÷ 25 kg = 14.4 bags
Again, rounding up, that’s 15 bags per month, with a little extra on hand recommended.
Do Feed Types Affect This Calculation?
Absolutely. Different feed types (like layer mash, crumbles, or pellets) may vary slightly in density or digestibility. While the nutritional value is usually standardized per gram, hens may consume slightly more or less depending on texture and how easy it is to eat. High-protein or energy-dense feeds might reduce total intake slightly—but unless you’re running a feed trial, stick with the standard 120 g/day estimate for planning.
Also, if you’re supplementing with kitchen scraps, foraged greens, or grains, you may see a small drop in feed consumption—but don’t make drastic cuts without monitoring performance.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Feed 100 Layers in 2025?
Let’s cut to the chase—2025 hasn’t exactly been kind to poultry farmers. If you’re feeding 100 layers, your feed bill is probably the one thing that keeps you up at night. And if you’re not watching it closely? Well, that’s money flying out the coop.
What’s the Damage?
Right now, here’s what you’re paying (April 2025 market prices, checked at multiple agro-shops in Nigeria):
- Chick Feed (Mash/Crumbles) – ₦19,000($12.18)
- Topfeed Layer Mash – ₦20,000($12.82)
- Vital Feed Eggmaxx – ₦21,600($13.85)
- Breedwell Layer – ₦27,000($17.31)
- New Hope Layer Mash – ₦19,800($12.69)
At ₦1,560 to $1, you’re shelling out anywhere from $12.18 to $17.31 per 25kg bag. And let’s be real, it adds up fast.
So, What’s the Monthly Feed Bill for 100 Layers?
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Mature layers eat about 110g of feed per day
- That’s 11kg/day for 100 hens
- Or roughly 330kg/month
- Divide that by 25kg per bag? You’ll need 13.2 bags/month
- But smart farmers budget for 15 bags, just in case—spillage, spoilage, or those “hungry hen” days.
Monthly Feed Cost (15 Bags):
- Topfeed – ₦300,000/month($193)
- New Hope – ₦297,000/month($179)
- Vital Feed Eggmaxx – ₦324,000/month($208)
- Breedwell – ₦405,000/month($260)
In dollars, that’s about $180 to $260 per month, depending on your brand of choice. Ouch? Maybe. But knowing where it’s going is half the battle.
💡 Pro Tip: If your birds aren’t laying well, your feed cost per egg skyrockets. Keep production tight.
Why Are Feed Prices So High Right Now?
Simple: maize and soybeans are eating your profit margin alive.
- Maize jumped from ₦480k/ton to ₦1 million/ton between 2023–2024
- Soybeans? Nearly doubled too. Now over ₦950k/ton in some markets
Add in fuel hikes, forex crisis, and insecurity in major farming zones—and boom. Welcome to the most expensive feed market we’ve ever seen.
Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners
If you’re still feeding like it’s 2019, it’s time to evolve. Here’s what’s actually working on real farms in 2025:
1. Buy in Bulk (But Be Smart About It)
Ordering 50–100 bags at once could knock ₦300–₦500 off each bag. But only do it if your storage is solid—dry, clean, and rat-free.
2. Fix Your Feeders
Overfilling or using the wrong design can waste up to 10% of your feed—yep, that’s over one bag per month. Invest in narrow-lip, anti-spill feeders. Train your staff. Watch your savings grow.
3. Partial On-Farm Mixing (If You Know What You’re Doing)
Some folks are using cassava peel mash, maize offcuts, or blood meal to cut down costs. Just be careful—bad ratios can ruin your flock’s health and production. Only mix if you’ve got the training or work with a poultry nutritionist.
4. Natural Additives Work—Slowly But Surely
Stuff like moringa, garlic, ginger, and probiotics help reduce feed-to-egg ratios over time. No, it won’t slash your feed bill overnight. But it’ll boost immunity, improve digestion, and reduce your need for commercial additives.
5. Join or Start a Feed Coop
If you’re not in a feed-buying group yet, you’re probably paying more than you should. Many local poultry WhatsApp groups are already negotiating ₦800–₦1,200 off per bag through bulk deals.
Don’t Sleep on Water
This part’s often overlooked—but it’s huge. A healthy layer drinks about 200–300ml of clean water daily. If your water is dirty, scarce, or the flow rate is slow, your birds will eat less—and lay even less.
In short? Poor water = wasted feed.
So clean your tanks, flush your pipes, and check every drinker—especially during dry spells. Dehydrated chickens don’t lay. Period.
Final Thoughts
Feeding 100 layers in 2025 is no joke—but it’s not impossible. If you:
- Track your feed usage
- Optimize every gram
- Buy smart
- Reduce waste
- And keep those drinkers flowing…
…you’ll stay profitable—even in this economy.
Got your own cost-cutting tip or want help with your feed math? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working on your farm.
How Age, Breed, and Environmental Factors Impact Feed Efficiency in Poultry
When it comes to optimizing feed efficiency in poultry, a variety of factors play a pivotal role. Understanding how age, breed, environmental conditions, and feed quality influence feed consumption is essential for maximizing productivity and minimizing costs in poultry farming.
Age of the Chickens: The Younger, the Better
Chickens are most feed-efficient during their early life stages. In fact, young birds tend to have better feed conversion ratios (FCR)—the amount of feed required to produce a unit of weight gain or egg production. For example, broiler chicks in their early weeks consume less feed to achieve faster growth compared to older chickens.
By 42 days, broilers require around 1.8 kg of feed to gain 1 kg of body weight. In contrast, this feed efficiency tends to decline as the birds mature, and their growth slows down. [Source: Poultry Science Association]
Breed Matters: Commercial vs. Heritage Breeds
The breed of chicken you choose plays a substantial role in feed efficiency. Commercial breeds, such as the Cobb 500, are known for their rapid growth and superior feed efficiency. These chickens have been selectively bred for higher production and are designed to make the most of their feed intake. Their feed conversion ratio (FCR) is usually low, meaning they require less feed to produce weight or eggs.
On the other hand, heritage breeds like the Rhode Island Red typically grow slower and exhibit a higher FCR. Although they may require more feed for the same amount of growth, they are often more resilient to local diseases and less prone to heat stress. These traits make them a better fit for smaller, more sustainable operations, especially in challenging climates. [Source: The Livestock Conservancy]
Climate and Regional Context: The Impact of Tropical Environments
In tropical climates, such as much of Nigeria, the high year-round temperatures can have a significant impact on poultry feed consumption. Heat stress can reduce appetite, leading to lower feed intake, which in turn affects the growth and egg production of chickens. In hot weather, chickens may also drink more water to cope with the heat, further altering their feed consumption patterns. Farmers in these regions should focus on maintaining optimal environmental conditions in the poultry house, using cooling systems or proper ventilation to minimize the effects of heat on feed efficiency.
Environmental and Management Factors: Creating Ideal Conditions for Growth
Beyond breed and age, how you manage your flock and their environment can make all the difference in feed efficiency. Heat stress, for instance, is one of the biggest factors affecting feed intake in poultry. High temperatures not only reduce the amount of feed consumed but can also lower egg production. Ensuring your chickens are housed in a temperature-controlled environment is crucial for maintaining feed consumption.
Additionally, poor feeder design is a hidden culprit of feed wastage. Research shows that poorly designed feeders can cause losses of up to 10% of the feed, a substantial amount that can add up over time. Opting for narrow-lip, anti-waste feeders and making sure your feeding system is optimized can reduce feed loss and improve overall feed efficiency. [Source: Poultry Science Journal]
The Quality of Feed: Impact of Storage and Preservation
Feed quality is another critical factor in feed efficiency. High-quality feed provides the right balance of nutrients, ensuring that your chickens absorb the necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein for optimal growth and egg production. However, feed can deteriorate if not stored properly. Improper storage can lead to contamination from molds, mycotoxins, or pests, all of which compromise feed quality and reduce nutritional value.
It’s essential to store poultry feed in a cool, dry, and rodent-free area. This helps preserve its quality and prevents spoilage, ensuring that your birds get the most out of their feed. Investing in proper storage systems is a simple yet effective way to avoid losses and maintain healthy, productive chickens.
Bottom Line: Maximizing Feed Efficiency
Optimizing feed efficiency requires a comprehensive approach that considers age, breed, environmental conditions, and feed quality. While younger, commercial breeds like the Cobb 500 offer superior feed efficiency, heritage breeds may be more suited for challenging climates and disease resistance. By controlling factors such as heat stress, feeder design, and proper storage, farmers can ensure their chickens are getting the most out of every meal.
Have you noticed how feed efficiency changes with your chickens’ age or breed? Feel free to share your experience.
What Are the Best Tips for Efficient Feed Management?
Feeding your chickens isn’t just about calculating how much to feed them—it’s also about ensuring they get the most out of what they eat. Here are a few tips to improve feed efficiency and avoid unnecessary waste:
- Minimize Feed Wastage: Use feeders that reduce spillage and make sure you’re giving your hens just enough to eat to avoid leftovers. Overfeeding leads to wasted feed and can increase your costs.
- Monitor Feed Quality: Feed that’s stale, moldy, or of poor quality can have a negative impact on your hens’ health and their ability to lay eggs. Always store feed in a dry, cool place, and check for any signs of spoilage before giving it to your flock.
- Adjust According to Production: Not all hens need the same amount of feed. Monitor their production, and if you notice a dip in egg production, check whether they’re getting enough feed or if their nutritional needs need to be adjusted.
- Incorporate Natural Feed Supplements: Consider adding natural supplements like moringa, garlic, or probiotics to their diet. Moringa, for example, is rich in vitamins and minerals, while garlic and probiotics can improve gut health and boost immunity, leading to better feed digestion and overall health.
- Proper Feed Storage: How you store feed directly impacts its quality. Store feed in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and pest infestations. Rotate feed to use older bags first, and never use feed that smells off or shows signs of spoilage.
- Ensure Adequate Water Supply: Chickens drink significantly more water than they eat. Clean, fresh water is essential for digestion and overall health. Dehydration can lead to reduced feed intake and egg production. Ensure that water sources are clean, and that water is changed regularly. Feed is only half the story—water is just as important, and often overlooked. A laying hen drinks two to three times the amount of water compared to feed. So, if a hen eats 120 grams of feed daily, she may drink around 240–360 ml of water. Hot weather, salty feed, and egg production can push that number even higher. Keep water clean, cool, and always available—poor hydration hits egg production faster than you’d expect.
- Consider on farm feed mixing: Depending on available local resources, on farm feed mixing can be a cost effective way of providing feed. However, it is very important to have the correct ratios of ingredients, and to ensure that the feed is properly mixed. If you do not have experience with on farm feed mixing, consult with a poultry nutritionist.
Conclusion: Tailor Your Feeding Strategy for Maximum Results
Feeding your 100 layers is more than just filling up the trough—it’s about understanding their needs, being strategic, and constantly adjusting based on their age, environment, and health status. By calculating their feed intake accurately, optimizing feed management, and understanding the factors that affect consumption, you can ensure that your layers stay healthy, productive, and cost-efficient.
As we’ve seen, it’s important to factor in everything from breed differences to environmental influences when planning your feeding strategy. So, if you’re running a poultry farm or managing a backyard flock, make sure to regularly assess your feeding practices and adjust accordingly. It’s a small effort that can yield big rewards in terms of healthier hens and a more profitable farm.
Have any other feeding tips or questions? Drop them below—let’s chat!
