Weekly Feed Consumption for 6 Rhode Island Red Hens

Feed Estimate

• Per Hen: ~1/4 cup (approx. 120–130 g) of layer feed per day.
• 6 Hens × Daily: 1.5 cups (~720–780 g) per day.
• Weekly Total: 10.5 cups (~5–5.5 kg / 11–12 lbs) of layer pellets/crumbles.

Variables

• Age: Pullets eat less; molting hens eat more (protein).
• Season: Winter = more calories for heat; Summer = less.
• Foraging: Free-range birds supplement significantly (insects, greens, seeds) — reduce commercial feed 20–30%.
• Feed Type: Pellets waste less than crumbles/mash. 16–18% protein layer feed.
• Supplements: Oyster shell (calcium), grit, kitchen scraps (max 10% diet).

Practical Tip

Provide ad libitum (free-choice) feed in treadle/covered feeder. Monitor body condition (keel bone). Adjust if eggs drop or weight changes. A 25 kg bag lasts 6 hens ~4–5 weeks.