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Cost vs. benefit analysis

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So very helpful. Thanks.

I do #1 quite well. I have all the family trained to scrape dishes into chicken bowl and compost, not trash. These are some well-fed chickens.

#2--they aren't wasting much. When the tractor chickens spill their food, I just wheel the tractor over the spill until they munch it all up.

#3--needs some work. We had 13 chickens go to a fox this past spring. I had no idea the coops weren't safe. We shot the fox, but I need to reconsider safety for the 4 pens.

Thanks!
 
Fred's Hens said:
If it were possible to divorce the organic issue, the philosophical issues, from simply the cost/profit equation, it makes no difference. Organic feed vs Regular Feed.

Again, purely on the economic issues, if one pays double for the feed, then the eggs must also sell for double. It's that simple. This takes a local market that will support, be willing to pay for organic products. Our local sales base is very, very soft at best. That the eggs come from chickens who live a natural life, get to free range and breath fresh air in the sunshine is enough for our customers. That means $2.50 per dozen. That local price simply will not support the necessary $4.00 to justify the cost of organic feed. If we had a customer base that would pay $4 a dozen? Sure, we'd be all over it. Maybe that culture will evolve, we shall see.

Again, just the economic realities, not necessarily the philosophical.
Click to expand...
I totally agree. I get cheap feed and supplement as possible. My friends buy my extra eggs for $3/dozen. Some are SO sold on the bright orange yolks, large size, and nice flavor.
 
I dont want to say Organic is bad, I really support the idea and think that it should become standard practice.
My issue is all the added cost the burecrocacy of marketing organic adds to the process.
If "Organic" wasnt a buzzword it would be easier, cheaper and more efficent.

Same with free range and other good ideas turned into marketing gimics.
When I see a good word on a McDonalds or Starbucks wrapper then it has lost all meaning to me.

The next one I was looking at is the Certified Humane program.
Looks like another silly gimic to charge the farmer and customer more than they should be charged for common sense practices on just about any local farm.

Local, Smart, Clean, Sustainable
Thats all you ever need, dont let labels make decisions for you.
 
Chambertin said:
I dont want to say Organic is bad, I really support the idea and think that it should become standard practice.
My issue is all the added cost the burecrocacy of marketing organic adds to the process.
If "Organic" wasnt a buzzword it would be easier, cheaper and more efficent.
Same with free range and other good ideas turned into marketing gimics.
When I see a good word on a McDonalds or Starbucks wrapper then it has lost all meaning to me.
The next one I was looking at is the Certified Humane program.
Looks like another silly gimic to charge the farmer and customer more than they should be charged for common sense practices on just about any local farm.
Local, Smart, Clean, Sustainable
Thats all you ever need, dont let labels make decisions for you.
Click to expand...


I totally agree! You pay more for the name "Organic" than its true value.. Veggie stands, local butcher shops.. That's where I go.
 
Well the average joe doesn't understand or take the time to learn the true meanings of these words, just like low fat, reduced fat non fat etc sounds the same but really not.
 
Good choice on the Leghorns. You want good feed to egg ratios. We have Barred Rocks. They each lay one egg a day year round. We feed only scratch to our layers except during the twice yearly therapies to ward off diseases. All chicks are started on antibiotic chick starter. Leghorns are not a large bird but are good for frying so you are getting a good deal on your meat and eggs. We also had two "heritage" types of hens. We must have producing hens, so those were removed from the flock because as you learned, they just don't lay well. Best of luck to you!
 
Hi,
I am trying to learn all I can and still new to this so my question is:you said you only feed scratch to your layers except during the twice yearly therapies to ward off diseases. I get the scratch but not your therapies can you explain what you do.
 

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