Feed costs can make or break your backyard chicken operation. With quality chicken feed representing 60-70% of your ongoing expenses, finding the right balance between price and nutrition is crucial for maintaining healthy birds without breaking the bank.
The cheapest chicken feed isn’t always the most economical choice when you factor in nutritional value, waste rates, and long-term bird health. Some budget feeds require additional supplements or result in higher consumption rates, effectively increasing your real cost per kilogram.
Why Cheap Chicken Feed is Important for Chicken Keepers
Feed expenses dominate the economics of chicken keeping, typically costing $600-800 annually for a modest six-hen flock. Understanding true feed value helps you make informed choices that support both your budget and your birds’ wellbeing.
Australian chicken keepers face unique challenges that affect feed pricing:
- Transport costs across vast distances can add 10-30% to feed prices
- Seasonal grain price fluctuations cause significant cost variations throughout the year
- Regional availability differences mean some areas have limited supplier competition
- Quality variations between brands affect nutritional value and consumption rates
Smart chicken keepers learn to evaluate feeds beyond simple bag pricing, considering factors like protein content, energy density, and nutritional completeness to determine real value.
How to Calculate True Chicken Feed Value
Simply comparing bag prices can be misleading when evaluating chicken feed options. Experienced poultry keepers use a comprehensive approach that reveals the genuine cost-effectiveness of different feeds.
Essential Value Calculations
Cost per kilogram: Always calculate price per kg rather than per bag, as pack sizes vary significantly between brands. A 10kg bag at $24 costs $2.40/kg, whilst a 20kg bag at $36 works out to just $1.80/kg.
Protein percentage analysis: Layer feeds typically contain 16-18% protein, whilst grower feeds range up to 24%. Higher protein feeds cost more per kilogram but often deliver better egg production and bird health, making them more economical overall.
Energy content evaluation: Measured in megajoules per kilogram of dry matter (MJ/kg DM), energy density affects daily consumption requirements. Higher energy feeds mean birds eat less volume to meet their nutritional needs.
Nutritional completeness assessment: Premium feeds include balanced vitamin and mineral premixes, whilst budget options may require separate calcium, vitamin, or mineral supplements that increase your effective per-kilogram cost.
Practical Feed Comparison Example
NSW Department of Primary Industries data shows feed wheat costs approximately 22 cents per kg dry matter versus lucerne at 33 cents per kg DM. However, wheat provides nearly twice the energy value per dollar, making it more economical for bulk feeding when properly supplemented with protein sources and minerals.
2025 Australian Chicken Feed Price Analysis
| Brand / Type | Pack size | Price (AUD) | Cost‑per‑kg |
| Laucke Red Hen Layer (20 kg) | 20 kg | $34.99 | $1.75/kg |
| Green Valley Premium Layer Mix | 20 kg | $31.99 | $1.60/kg |
| Barastoc Golden Yolk Blend | 10kg | $23.99 | $2.40/kg |
| Avigrain Mixed Flock Feed (20 kg) | 20 kg | $39.99 | $2.00/kg |
Current retail pricing from major suppliers including Bunnings, PetStation, and rural supply stores reveals significant variations in cost-effectiveness across different brands and pack sizes.
Budget-Friendly Champions (Under $1.80/kg)
Green Valley Premium Layer Mix
- Price: $31.99 for 20kg
- Cost per kg: $1.60
- Protein content: 16%
- Best for: Cost-conscious keepers with healthy laying flocks who supplement with scraps and pasture access
This consistently rates as Australia’s most economical complete layer feed. Whilst it lacks some premium additives, it provides solid basic nutrition for productive hens when used as part of a varied feeding programme.
Laucke Red Hen Layer Pellets
- Price: $34.99 for 20kg
- Cost per kg: $1.75
- Protein content: 17%
- Best for: Reliable everyday feeding with proven results across different climates
Laucke’s South Australian heritage and decades of poultry nutrition experience show in this well-balanced formulation. Many commercial and backyard operations rely on Red Hen as their primary feed, appreciating its consistency and digestibility.
Premium Performance Options ($2.00-$2.50/kg)
Ridley Barastoc Golden Yolk Blend
- Price: $23.99 for 10kg
- Cost per kg: $2.40
- Protein content: 18%
- Best for: Enhanced egg quality and appearance, show birds, premium egg sales
The higher price reflects quality ingredients that deliver noticeably improved egg yolk colour and shell strength. Many chicken keepers who sell surplus eggs find the premium appearance justifies the additional cost.
Avigrain Mixed Flock Feed
- Price: $39.99 for 20kg
- Cost per kg: $2.00
- Protein content: 16.5%
- Best for: Properties with mixed poultry including chickens, ducks, and geese
This versatile option eliminates the need for multiple feed types when keeping different poultry species together. The convenience factor often outweighs the moderate price premium for mixed flocks.
Regional Price Variations Across Australia
Location significantly impacts chicken feed costs due to transport expenses, supplier competition, and proximity to grain-growing regions.
New South Wales and Victoria generally offer the most competitive pricing due to proximity to major grain production areas and strong supplier competition. Rural areas within these states can access even better pricing through direct mill relationships.
Queensland presents a mixed picture, with Brisbane and Gold Coast areas seeing premium pricing due to transport costs, whilst rural regions near grain production can achieve competitive rates, especially during harvest seasons.
Western Australia faces isolation challenges that typically add 10-15% to feed costs, particularly in Perth metropolitan areas. Some rural WA properties offset this through direct farm gate purchases during harvest periods.
South Australia and Tasmania experience limited supplier competition, often resulting in prices 5-10% above mainland averages, though SA’s strong grain production helps moderate costs in rural areas.
Northern Territory represents the most challenging market, with remote locations typically seeing prices 20-30% above national averages due to transport costs and limited local competition.
Nutritional Requirements by Bird Type and Life Stage
Understanding your birds’ specific nutritional needs helps you choose the most appropriate and economical feed option for your situation.
Protein Requirements Breakdown
Chicks (0-8 weeks): Require 20-24% protein for rapid growth and proper feather development. Higher protein starter feeds cost 10-15% more per kilogram but prevent developmental issues that can affect lifelong productivity.
Pullets (8-16 weeks): Need 16-18% protein as growth slows and reproductive systems develop. This transitional phase allows for some flexibility in feed choice whilst maintaining good nutrition.
Laying hens: Perform optimally on 16-17% protein with adequate calcium (3.5-4%) for strong eggshell formation. Over-feeding protein to layers wastes money without improving egg production.
Roosters and non-laying birds: Can thrive on 14-16% protein maintenance feeds, which typically cost 5-10% less than layer formulations, providing opportunities for targeted feeding programmes.
Critical Nutrient Considerations
Calcium requirements vary dramatically between laying and non-laying birds. Hens in production need 3.5-4% dietary calcium, whilst other birds require only 0.8-1%. Some budget feeds may require separate oyster shell supplementation, effectively adding $0.10-0.15 per kilogram to your real feeding cost.
Vitamin and mineral content differs significantly between premium and budget formulations. Higher-end feeds include balanced vitamin premixes with vitamins A, D, and E for immune support and reproduction, whilst basic feeds may need supplementation to prevent deficiency issues.
Energy density affects daily consumption rates, with higher-energy feeds resulting in lower daily intake requirements. This can make expensive feeds more economical than their per-kilogram price suggests.
Practical Feeding Strategies to Maximise Value
Smart feeding practices can reduce waste and stretch your feed budget without compromising bird health or productivity.
Chicken Feeding Equipment Investments That Pay Off
Hanging or elevated feeders reduce spillage by up to 30%, effectively lowering your cost per kilogram through reduced waste. Quality feeders cost $25-60 but typically pay for themselves within 2-3 months through waste reduction.
Weather-protected feeding areas prevent spoilage from rain and humidity, particularly important in tropical Australian climates where wet feed can spoil rapidly and create health hazards.
Treadle feeders for free-range operations prevent wild birds and rodents from stealing expensive feed, protecting your investment whilst reducing disease transmission risks.
Chicken Feed Enhancement Techniques
Fermented feed preparation involves soaking pellets for 12-24 hours, which increases digestibility and feed volume by approximately 15%. This technique effectively reduces daily consumption requirements whilst improving nutrient absorption and gut health.
Strategic pasture integration allows free-ranging chickens to obtain 20-40% of nutritional needs from grass, insects, and natural foraging. This can significantly reduce commercial feed requirements whilst improving egg quality and bird health.
Appropriate kitchen scrap supplementation can replace up to 10% of commercial feed requirements. Suitable scraps include vegetable peelings, leftover grains, and garden produce, but should never exceed 10% of total diet to maintain nutritional balance.
Annual Feed Cost Projections for Different Flock Sizes
Understanding long-term feeding costs helps with budgeting and decision-making around flock expansion or feed choice upgrades.
Cost-Per-Bird Analysis
Average daily consumption ranges from 120-140g per laying hen, translating to approximately 70kg per bird annually. This consumption rate varies with breed, season, and supplemental feeding practices.
Budget feed scenario ($1.60/kg):
- Daily cost per hen: $0.19-0.22
- Annual cost per hen: $112
- Six-hen flock annual cost: $672
Premium feed scenario ($2.40/kg):
- Daily cost per hen: $0.29-0.34
- Annual cost per hen: $168
- Six-hen flock annual cost: $1,008
Bulk Purchasing Economics
Standard 20kg bags represent typical retail pricing as outlined above, suitable for flocks up to 15-20 birds with reasonable storage capabilities.
Pallet quantities (400-500kg) often provide 10-15% discounts from rural suppliers, making sense for larger operations or buying groups that can coordinate purchases and storage.
Tonne-lot purchases can achieve 15-25% savings but require significant storage infrastructure and rapid consumption to prevent spoilage, typically only practical for commercial operations.
DIY Feed Mixing: Advanced Cost-Saving Strategies
Experienced chicken keepers can achieve significant savings through home mixing, but this approach requires careful planning and nutritional knowledge.
Basic Layer Mix Recipe and Costs
A typical DIY layer mix might include:
- 40% wheat (approximately $0.35-0.45/kg)
- 30% barley or oats ($0.40-0.50/kg)
- 15% protein source such as lupins or field peas ($0.80-1.20/kg)
- 10% sunflower seeds ($1.50-2.00/kg)
- 5% crushed oyster shell ($1.20-1.50/kg)
Total estimated cost: $0.85-1.15 per kilogram, representing potential savings of 30-40% compared to commercial feeds.
Important Mixing Considerations
Nutritional balance requires careful calculation to ensure adequate vitamins, minerals, and amino acid profiles. Many home mixers benefit from occasional consultation with poultry nutritionists or veterinarians.
Storage requirements for bulk ingredients include pest-proof containers, climate control, and proper rotation systems to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
Time investment for mixing, quality control, and sourcing ingredients can be significant, making this approach most suitable for larger operations or dedicated hobbyists.
Regulatory compliance may apply in some states for commercial operations, with restrictions on home-mixed feeds for businesses selling eggs or meat.
Seasonal Buying and Storage Strategies
Timing your feed purchases around seasonal price cycles can generate significant savings for chicken keepers with adequate storage facilities.
Optimal Purchase Timing
Autumn (March-May) typically offers the best pricing as post-harvest grain supplies reach the market, often resulting in 10-15% savings compared to peak pricing periods.
Late winter (July-August) can provide opportunities as retailers clear old stock before new season deliveries, though selection may be limited.
Periods to Avoid
Summer months (December-February) usually see peak pricing due to pre-harvest supply tightness and higher demand from livestock operations during dry periods.
Drought conditions can cause sudden price spikes of 20-50% as grain becomes scarce, making bulk storage during good seasons particularly valuable.
Money-Saving Tips for Australian Chicken Keepers
Strategic purchasing and feeding practices can significantly reduce your annual feed costs without compromising bird health or productivity.
Supplier Selection Strategies
Rural supply stores typically offer pricing 10-20% below pet stores or large hardware chains, particularly for bulk purchases. Building relationships with rural suppliers can provide access to advance notice of sales and bulk purchase opportunities.
Buying group coordination with neighbours or local chicken keeping groups can access wholesale pricing tiers typically reserved for commercial operations.
Direct mill purchases may be available in rural areas, offering significant savings for large orders whilst supporting local grain processing operations.
Storage and Handling Best Practices
Proper storage containers prevent spoilage from moisture, pests, and contamination. Quality sealed containers protect your investment and maintain feed nutritional value over extended periods.
First-in-first-out rotation prevents nutritional degradation in stored feed, ensuring birds receive optimal nutrition and preventing waste from expired products.
Climate-controlled storage maintains feed quality in extreme Australian conditions, preventing mould growth in humid conditions and preserving vitamins in extreme heat.
Alternative Protein Development
Mealworm farming can provide high-quality protein supplementation whilst recycling organic waste, reducing commercial feed protein requirements.
Black soldier fly larvae represent an increasingly available and highly nutritious protein source that many chicken keepers are incorporating into their feeding programmes.
Fodder crop integration through growing comfrey, chicory, or other high-nutrition plants provides free feed supplementation whilst improving soil health and property sustainability.
Finding Your Optimal Feed Strategy
The cheapest chicken feed in Australia isn’t necessarily the lowest-priced option when you consider nutrition, waste, and long-term bird health. Green Valley Premium Layer Mix at $1.60/kg offers exceptional value for budget-conscious operations, whilst Laucke Red Hen provides reliable performance at competitive pricing.
Premium options like Barastoc Golden Yolk may justify their higher costs through superior nutrition, convenience, and improved egg quality that can command better prices if you’re selling surplus production.
Your optimal feeding strategy depends on several key factors: flock size and composition, available storage and preparation time, local supplier options, and whether you’re keeping chickens primarily for household egg production or as part of a broader farming operation.
For most Australian backyard chicken keepers, a quality mid-range commercial feed supplemented with appropriate scraps, pasture access, and seasonal bulk purchasing provides the best balance of cost, convenience, and nutrition. Remember that saving money on feed often leads to higher veterinary costs and reduced productivity, making quality nutrition a wise long-term investment in your flock’s health and your operation’s sustainability.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, Grainshed earns from qualifying purchases. This comprehensive guide provides analysis to help Australian property owners. Prices are relevant to the time of writing and may differ.
