19/02/2026
Here’s a practical estimate of what it might cost you to feed 300–500 layer chickens from day-old chicks until they start laying eggs (about 18–20 weeks old), based on typical feed prices and consumption estimates. Prices vary by location and market conditions, but this gives you a reasonable budgeting range — estimates are based on Ghana and general poultry industry figures. 
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🐥 1. Feed Quantity Needed Until Laying
Chickens go through three major feed phases:
1. Starter feed (0–6 weeks) — higher protein for growth
2. Grower feed (6–12 weeks) — development stage
3. Pre-layer/Layer grower feed (12–18/20 weeks) — preparing for laying
While exact feed intake depends on breed and management, a rough average is:
• Starter: ~2–3 kg per bird total
• Grower: ~5–7 kg per bird total
• Pre-layer: ~7–10 kg per bird total
📌 That adds up to ~14–20 kg of total feed per bird before laying starts. 
For:
• 300 birds → ~ 4,200–6,000 kg feed
• 500 birds → ~ 7,000–10,000 kg feed
(1 metric ton = 1,000 kg)
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💰 2. Feed Costs (Ghana context)
In Ghana, average poultry feed prices (per 50 kg bag) are about:
• Starter feed: ~GHS 180–210
• Grower feed: ~GHS 170–220
• Layer mash: ~GHS 170–220 
👉 That’s roughly GHS 3.40–4.40 per kilogram.
So cost per ton is approximately GHS 3,400–4,400.
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🧮 3. Total Feed Cost Estimate (Before Laying)
For 300 chickens
• Low end: 4.2 t × GHS 3,400 ≈ GHS 14,280
• High end: 6 t × GHS 4,400 ≈ GHS 26,400
Estimated total: ~GHS 14,000 – GHS 26,000
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For 500 chickens
• Low end: 7 t × GHS 3,400 ≈ GHS 23,800
• High end: 10 t × GHS 4,400 ≈ GHS 44,000
Estimated total: ~GHS 24,000 – GHS 44,000
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🧠 Notes & Tips
✅ Feed is usually the largest operational cost in poultry farming. It can be 60-70% of your total expenses. 
✅ If you buy feed in bulk (tons) or directly from mills, you may get better pricing.
✅ Free-range or supplemental feeding (kitchen scraps, forage) can reduce feed needs — but do this carefully to maintain nutrition. 
✅ These are estimates before laying starts. After they begin laying, you’ll need layer feed continuously to keep egg production going.
Note: price of feed may differ from and sometimes up to 350 cedis.
