Chicken math

[JRNash]

Most of us will never get rich but it sure is fun.

 

[dekel18042]

We sell for $4 a dozen. I cant give away all my secrets! Lol but know this... I NEVER feed my birds cheap garbage feed from the feed store. It may be cheaper but its full of filler so it has less nutrition and the have to eat more to compensate. High quality feed makes a huge difference in egg quality and in how much is required to meet the needs.

If you really want to be business like (I'll freely admit to having a hobby only) not only do you have to factor in the price of their food, but the cost of the chickens themselves, their housing or coops and runs, hardware supplies like feeders and waterers, treats, bedding, electricity for any chicken related needs, all kinds of things you wouldn't think of at a glance. But the eggs can't be compared to what is passed off as eggs in stores and the colors and sizes created alone make it worthwhile.

 

[dekel18042]

Commercial egg producers rely on the economy of scale; literally millions of birds crammed into tiny places, and feed bought by the semi load. Comparing those costs to backyard flock cost isn't worth the time. I sell a few eggs too, and buy feed in 50 lb. bags to keep it fresh. Way more cost/ dozen eggs! Mary

You're probably like a lot of us on here. Probably most of us hone in on some aspect of chickens that we like, whether it's egg production or color or whatever.
Usually I'm figuring out what new color I can add to my egg basket next.

 

[AmyLM]

      If you really want to be business like (I'll freely admit to having a hobby only) not only do you have to factor in the price of their food, but the cost of the chickens themselves, their housing or coops and runs, hardware supplies like feeders and waterers,  treats, bedding,  electricity for any chicken related needs, all kinds of things you wouldn't think of at a glance.  But the eggs can't be compared to what is passed off as eggs in stores and the colors and sizes created alone make it worthwhile.

Yes.im well aware. We were lucky in that the farm we bought already had the infrastructure so we only needed to modify it to suit us. We have our own well so no water cost. We grow winter fodder from local grass seeds. We have a manufacturer for our own boxes that we import. We will be selling the boxes btw.... can beat most other sellers prices. We are not cutting corners but rather figuring out how to make it work. I have the animal experience and my husband has a masters in business.

 

[staceymw]

I only wanted a few and now i want more lol... so many different chickens lol.

I didn't want a rooster either just hens until i got my male Easter Roaster. He beautiful..

Now i can't wait for babies from him and my hens.

I have 4 different breeds as options lol.

 

[21hens-incharge]

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I could but she would not believe me lol. Why do people feel the need to go hang with the doomed to be dinner ones then think "awwwwww but he's so cute". My hubby is the same way. Payed no attention to the hens for 5 long years and now that butcher time has come and gone he decides he likes this one and that one and that one and that one. OMG I am set up for 28 hens 28 is my max number and there are currently 43 yes 43 hens here.

Wait til she gets flogged a couple times lol that will change her mind. But he wont be as young and tender either.

R.O.U.S.s YUP I think they are real. very very real.

 

[blkjak]

Commercial egg producers rely on the economy of scale;  literally millions of birds crammed into tiny places, and feed bought by the semi load.  Comparing those costs to backyard flock cost isn't worth the time.  I sell a few eggs too, and buy feed in 50 lb. bags to keep it fresh.  Way more cost/ dozen eggs!  Mary

I do the same. 50 lb bags from the local feed mill to support local business. Sell a few eggs but will give them away also. Not in it for the money. Just for the love of poultry and small farm living. Producing your own food and watching the birds roam around the yard!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Quote:
LOL my family is kinda the opposite when it comes to chickens. My son was helping me move the huge brooder in the workshop and commented "AW dang mom it is empty. You should order some chickens." My hubby decides he likes all the ones slated for processing and Ideal is having great sales.
I am doomed DOOMED I say.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I do manage to sell enough eggs to pay for the upkeep of the chickens. I get 4.50 for an 18 pack. Not nearly as much as I should charge. It does cover the feed, scratch and pine shavings as well as watermelon and such for them.

Housing cost??? Lets just not talk about how much I spent on the coop an run K?

 

[ConPollos]

Welllll, we could make and sell cat toys out of our feathers...grow our own catnip for the toys...sell our compost... er.... I dunno