Start up costs are the most, but they are one time cost. After you get set up, then it's just maintenance.
Coop was an old shed donated to us. Cost $400 to move it
Fencing donated, but spent an entire weekend installing it, then decided to free range them anyway (they eat WAY less commercial...
I collect about 8 dozen per week. (17 laying hens) Sell them for $3/dozen and spend about $20 a week on feed as they also free range. Profits should be about $4/week not including my time, electricity, start up, etc.
I bought my first 6 pullets a year ago. That turned into 10, then 20, and now I have 17 laying hens and 17, 3 month old chicks (about 8 of which are roosters, if not, more.) Chicken Math is a real thing. Anyway, I have been researching this as well. Wouldn't it be neat if we could all just quit...