There are a few problems with the report/study in my opinion.... Feed costs are higher, at least in my part of the country. The cost for the coop and facilities is usually a one time thing, so each year that the person keeps hens the cost for housing goes down. If the chicken keeper rotates the flock every 2-3 years, and does it a few hens each year, that also reduces the cost. Proper preparation of the spent hens for consumption reduces the "toughness" of the bird, though they will always have more "texture" than what most people are accustomed to. Bird mortality for the article was too high in my opinion. I have only lost 3 chicks this year, and a couple of hens. Only 5% this year. Many people also don't add heat and supplimental lighting, so those costs aren't always there.
When I calulate my yearly expenses, I don't count the capital expense of building. Why? because it would be depressing. I figure that if I counted the building expense (and I have a larger operation than most BYC folks) it would take 10-15 years to pay for it in just egg sales. If I count only the feed, fees, and normal upkeep, and I donate my time, I break even. But then I also hatch out many chicks, sell chicks, sell POL pullets, sell good quality roosters, sell fertile hatching eggs, etc. So I am doing OK with my chicken hobby.
When I calulate my yearly expenses, I don't count the capital expense of building. Why? because it would be depressing. I figure that if I counted the building expense (and I have a larger operation than most BYC folks) it would take 10-15 years to pay for it in just egg sales. If I count only the feed, fees, and normal upkeep, and I donate my time, I break even. But then I also hatch out many chicks, sell chicks, sell POL pullets, sell good quality roosters, sell fertile hatching eggs, etc. So I am doing OK with my chicken hobby.
