11 Cheap Ways to Feed Chickens (That Actually Work)

Want to lower your feed bill without sacrificing flock health? These 11 cheap ways to feed chickens will save money and keep hens happy.

Feeding chickens can feel like a never-ending expense, especially when prices creep up and your flock acts like they haven’t eaten in days (even though you just filled the feeder). If you’ve ever wondered how to cut your feed costs without compromising on your flock’s health, you’re in the right place.

I’ve been raising chickens for over a decade, and I’ve tried just about every cost-cutting trick out there. Some worked great, some flopped, and some surprised me. Today, I’m sharing the ones that actually saved me money and kept my chickens healthy and productive.

Grow Your Own Fodder

Fodder is one of the most affordable and space-saving ways to supplement feed. You can grow sprouted barley, wheatgrass, or sunflower seeds in trays with nothing more than water and light.

Barley fodder, in particular, has been a lifesaver on our homestead. It grows fast, keeps chickens occupied, and gives them nutrient-dense greens even in winter.

Tip: A basic fodder system can be as simple as stacking dollar store dish tubs with holes drilled in the bottom. Check out my post on sprouted barley fodder to learn how to get started.

Let Them Forage

If you’ve got the space, free-ranging is one of the most effective ways to cut feed costs. Chickens will happily eat grass, bugs, seeds, and weeds while enjoying the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. If you’re letting your flock forage, it’s important to know which plants are safe for them to snack on. Use this big list of chicken-safe plants to turn your yard into a healthy, edible playground.

Heads up: Free-ranging can increase predator risks. If you’re new to letting your birds out, read up on the best ways to protect chickens from predators before you start.

Use Table Scraps (Safely)

Kitchen scraps are free, easy, and well-loved by most flocks. Leftover greens, veggie peels, rice, and bread heels are all great options. Let your chickens do your composting and turn food scraps into a nutritious snack and rich garden soil in one go.

Don’t skip this step: Avoid salty, moldy, or spoiled food. And don’t rely on scraps alone—they should supplement a balanced diet.

Want more ideas? Check out my list of uses for kitchen scraps to keep waste out of the bin and chickens happy.

Buy Feed in Bulk or Split a Pallet

Buying feed in 50-pound bags (or even by the pallet) almost always brings the price per pound down. If you can’t use that much on your own, partner with a neighbor or chicken-keeping friend and split the order.

We often team up with another homesteader and get a discount from the local mill.

Shop the Sales

Watch for sales at feed stores and farm supply chains. Some have seasonal or clearance deals that make a real dent in the feed bill.

Pro tip: Sign up for loyalty programs or email lists to get early access to discounts.

Mix Your Own Feed

This one takes some research, but it can save you money and let you tailor feed to your flock’s needs.

You’ll want a base of grains like corn, oats, or wheat, and then layer in protein (like field peas or sunflower seeds) and supplements (like kelp or fish meal). Want a recipe to get started? Jill at The Prairie Homestead shares her homemade chicken feed recipe with ingredient tips and a free printable mix chart. It’s a great jumping-off point if you’re ready to try mixing your own.

Tip: If you’re just getting started, make small batches and monitor how your chickens do before scaling up.

Try Cheaper Protein Options

Commercial feeds are often pricey because of the protein content. You can cut costs by offering your own protein-rich foods:

• Black soldier fly larvae (great for warm climates)
• Cooked eggs (yes, they can eat their own eggs if cooked)
• Mealworms (raise your own or buy in bulk)

These treats are full of nutrients and will help your chickens get the protein they need while also decreasing the amount of money you spend on feed. Also, giving your chickens these unusual but very healthy foods can improve their health and well-being as a whole, helping them grow strong, have beautiful feathers, and lay lots of eggs.

Need a boredom buster that also stretches your feed? This easy DIY seed block is fun for your flock, packed with nutrition, and way cheaper than store-bought treats.

Consider Fermented Feed

Soaking commercial chicken feed in water for 24–48 hours boosts digestibility and nutrient absorption. It also fills chickens up faster, meaning they eat less overall.

Bonus: Fermenting can improve gut health and egg production.

Want to try it? My guide on fermenting chicken feed walks you through every step.

Use Garden Extras and “Waste”

Old kale? Bug-bitten cabbage? Dandelions taking over? Feed them to your chickens.

Garden waste isn’t just frugal—it’s smart. Chickens will happily eat produce that’s past its prime and even clean up pests while they’re at it.

Cut Down on Waste

Spilled or soiled feed = wasted money. Invest in feeders that reduce waste. We use gravity-fed feeders made from rolling trash cans with PVC ports—cheap, portable, and they hold a lot. If you want to build your own, these DIY feeder port kits make it super easy to convert a tote or trash can into a no-spill feeder.

Also, only feed what your chickens will eat in a day or two to avoid spoilage.

Source Local Ingredients

Check with nearby farms or mills for bulk grains, field peas, or sunflower seeds. You may be surprised at what’s available at a lower cost when you skip the middleman.

Bonus: You’ll support local agriculture and likely get fresher ingredients.

Commonly Asked Questions About Saving Money on Chicken Feed

Before we wrap up, let’s go over a few common questions I hear from chicken keepers trying to cut feed costs.

Want to remember these tips? Save this post to Pinterest so you can easily come back to it when it’s time to cut feed costs.

Feeding chickens doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re starting a new coop or trying to trim an existing budget, these cheap ways to feed chickens can make a big difference.

Try a few and see what works best for your setup. And if you have a money-saving trick I didn’t mention, I’d love to hear it!