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Feeding

Broiler feed calculator

Enter how many broilers you have and how long the cycle runs. The calculator splits the feed into starter, grower and finisher, adds an allowance for wastage, and tells you how many bags to buy and what they will cost.

Updated 25 August 2026

Broiler feed calculator

Most commercial broilers are sold between 35 and 45 days.

Total feed needed

1,965.6 kg

Starter (14 days)
210 kg · 4.2 bags
Grower (14 days)
595 kg · 11.9 bags
Finisher (14 days)
1,085 kg · 21.7 bags
Allowance for wastage (4%)
75.6 kg
Total bags to buy
40 bags of 50 kg

Split your buying across the cycle so feed does not sit long enough to spoil.

How this calculation works and what it assumes
  • Intake is based on typical commercial broiler intake of about 30 g/bird/day in the first two weeks, 85 g in weeks three and four, and 155 g from week five.
  • Add roughly 3 to 5 percent for spillage and wastage.
  • Your breed guide and your own records are always more accurate than a general figure.

Typical broiler feed intake by age

These are planning figures. Actual intake depends on breed, temperature, feed energy and how much feed ends up on the floor.

Guide intake per bird per day
AgeFeed typePer bird per day
Week 1-2StarterAbout 30 g
Week 3-4GrowerAbout 85 g
Week 5-6FinisherAbout 155 g

How to use the result

  • Buy in batches rather than all at once so feed does not spoil in storage.
  • Weigh what you issue each day — guessing is where most feed money is lost.
  • Compare your actual usage against this plan at the end of the cycle.
  • If actual use is far above the plan, look at feeder height, feeder type and spillage first.

Every farm is different — describe yours

KukuVet asks one short question at a time, then gives you a plan for your birds. Free to start, in English or Kiswahili.

Free to start. Your farm details stay private.

Example: “I have 500 broilers at 3 weeks. Am I feeding the right amount?

Common questions

How much feed does one broiler eat in a 42-day cycle?

Roughly 3.5 to 4 kg from day one to day 42 under normal conditions, which is about one 50 kg bag for every 12 to 14 birds.

Why add a wastage allowance?

Spillage from overfilled or badly positioned feeders commonly costs 3 to 5 percent of feed. Planning for it stops you running short near the end of the cycle.

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Published 25 August 2026 · Updated 25 August 2026 · Next review 25 February 2027