Anyone Limiting Their Flock Due to Costs and Economy?

[neckringer]

I increased my flock, its lay eggs or I am eating you here on the range...

 

[Chickenaddict]

I feed my flock a little too well i think at 150 lbs of feed every 2-3 weeks and thats just for the adults, scratch grains, grit, oyster shell, fresh fruit and veggies are all extra expenses . The babies don't eat as much but are far more wasteful. Yep i have to say its starting to sting the wallet a bit. I will be downsizing a little but not much. I feel like i need them as much as they need me, they are very theraputic for me. I look forward to coming home from work just to see them run to greet me when i pull in the driveway

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I don't have alot of room to keep alot of chickens so i have no choice but to limit the amount. My feed is about $11-12 a 50 lb bag here so not too bad. I plan on growing tons of veggies for them this summer and with them free ranging too it cuts costs ALOT.

 

[Cetawin]

Not here...no change. My girls pay for themselves literally. I sell enough eggs per week ($3.00 per dozen) that they pay for their food and are slowly paying back the cost of the coop and such. They eat a splash over 50 pounds per week of layer feed, they get leftover goodies and fresh veggies, sracth this winter 25 lbs per week and oyster shell.

But, would I add another 30 to my flock? Probably not. LOL

 

[abluechipstock]

i haven't cut back, i sell the eggs at work for $2 a doz, people buy them like crazy, that pays for my chicken feed, plus mine free range

 

[swampducks]

Quote:
I will let you know how it goes with ours! If this chicken and geese thing works out this year, we might get some Muskovies next year. My mother in law mentioned that it might be nice to have roast duck!

Cool. I have a pair of Muscovies. I had 4 originally but a mink killed 2 of them when they sleeping on a raft on our pond. (raft is gone now) Then 2 weeks ago a neighbor dog came through and killed another (I had already replaced the male.) I'm hoping to get some babies before something else bad happens.

The breastr meat is excellant.

 

[thechickenchick]

Quote:
I just advertised on freecycle for anything that can go in the chickens or anything that can go in the compost pile!! LOL I advertised for leaves pine needles out of date canned goods etc. I finally got tired of listing specifics and just put anything that can go in compost pile or a chicken pen!! Wish I could get a lot of Coffee grounds- They make great compost!!

That is a great idea, and easy! I can't believe I didn't think of that! Last I checked, our area did not have Free Cycle, but we do have Craigslist. I will do that today. Thanks!

 

[MrSoCal]

I had 4 hens but one was eaten by 3 coons (never knew they were in my neighborhood) who lifted the roof at 2am... so in honor of her I rebuilt the coop to more than double the size and predator-safe. The economy didn't stop me from rebuilding (which cost a few hundred dollars) because there was not much of a choice and it was a responsibility.

The remaining 3 hens used to eat a lot once they started laying late last year, but now they eat more grass and go to the neighbors often enough so it is not an issue, maybe 50lb every 2-3 months.

Cost (Los Angeles, CA): (1) Coop, (2) Diatomaceous earth 50lb @ $55 on eBay (3) feed 50lb @ $15, and (4) straw bale @ $8. (#1 and 2 are one-time cost.)

If I don't let them go to the neighbors they complain so they can have them and some eggs if they want. I barely eat any and can't see myself selling eggs.

Although I originally got them with the goal of at least breaking even (when egg prices were rising last summer), here is why, in hindsight, they are worth more than eggs/meat:
1) They eat bugs.
2) They are a conversation starter, especially when you have visitors. I am the only one in the area with hens. Kids love them, and neighbors love seeing them in their yard and playing with them. (Yes, they cause damage but that part has been overlooked

)
3) They fertilize and provide compost which I used to pay for. The home improvement stores sell "organic" soil that based on content I had everything already except chicken poop.
4) They are entertaining to watch... not the smartest creatures but still fun to watch.
5) They make little noise.

In summary, so far the economy hasn't stopped me from limiting the flock. Give them food, water, shelter and snacks and they are some of the best pets money can buy.

 

[Beekissed]

I thought it was funny to read about folks starting to keep laying &/or meat chickens to SAVE $$$ now that The Economy is so bad. You don't keep chickens to save $$$, even though you do benefit in many other non-financial ways.

I'm always surprised when someone one here makes comments like this. Of course you can! I turn a big profit on my small flock of layers (27) hens and (3) roos. And I'm selling my eggs much cheaper than most folks on here sell their free ranged, all naturally raised chicken's eggs. I sell for $2 a dozen and am selling out and can't keep up with the supply. This pays for my feed bill, the cost of the new chicks last summer and any other items I may have purchased (very few).

I think this kind of comment is based on the general idea around this forum that one has to build a coop, build a fence like Ft. Knox, provide specialty feeds of the highest nutrition, vet care, ornamental breeds for fun, no culling for proficiency of lay or for any other reason, for that matter, and that chickens are our family and pets and should not be killed.

When one actually manages a small flock, it can be quite profitable. When you explore alternative food sources like free range pasture, sprouted grains, mangels, etc. you only have to supplement your food supply in the coldest winter months.

When you use existing structures, free range, have LGD to guard your flock(free dogs, BTW, who supplement their feed with chicken poop protein snacks), and judicial culling so you are only feeding producing chickens~then it isn't the money drain people describe.

Now, if you are treating it like a hobby and a pet project...I can see where this runs into some money.

If you are treating it like a food source and a nice little, tax free income and making around $120 a month on eggs and only spending around $20 on feed (and that's only when its still cold/winter), one can certainly justify having chickens to save money. Not to mention the added benefit of eating culled stock and raising your own replacement layers with broody hens....it all works out great!

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

We have 110 on the ground in 25 different breeds. 40 fertile eggs in the bator. Going to build 4 more new pens. Go through about 200 lbs of feed a week. They lay like crazy so that pays for the feed. Also sell the chicks at hatch so that pays for the new coops. And to think we only wanted 2 or 3 to start. It's an addiction and we love it!!!

 

[Namaste Mama]

I am increasing because of the economy. My chickens eat so much kitchen scraps that they are pretty much free. (they still get as much feed and oyster shell they can eat) I figure if I get a few more they will pay for their feed with the eggs I can sell.