Counting The Costs?

[RIchkat07]

I have two sisters that jumped into chickens before they were prepared. They bought 30 chicks before they even had a place to keep them. I have wanted chickens for years but they have had them for abt 9 months and they regret getting them. They tell me they are too much work and are very expensive, has anyone found this to be the case? They tell me as cheap as eggs are in the store it really isn't worth the hassle of raising them.

I want to make sure that I am well informed and everything before I get them. I try to read as much as I can on what it will take to be successful in having chickens, but I find that more people say just the opposite. So I figured this is the best place to get my answers. Thank you all in advance for your responses.

 

[PirateGirl]

The cost food can vary a lot depending what you buy and what quantity. Perhaps start by checking out feed options at your local feed store. Shipping food is rarely economical and it's generally easier and more cost effective to purchase your feed locally.

I haven't done the math, but if I were to guess I'd say I don't save any money by having chickens for eggs because I'm still paying to feed them. I don't feel like I'm losing a ton of money either.

However since your sisters are new to chickens I'd say they are probably accurate in saying that it is expensive because the initial setup, coop, run, fencing, etc. plus the birds themselves and months of feeding them before they lay a single egg all can add up to quite a bit of money. Once everything is established I'd say they are fairly easy to care for (now that they are grown chickens and not in a brooder), and there are not major expenses other than feed. Let me also say, that with some creativity, help from friends and neighbors, and searching on craigslist, your initial setup does not have to be expensive at all. Also you can often find adult birds that are already laying free or cheap online.

For as many people as you talk to, you will get different answers. Starting out can be anywhere from nearly free to $1000 or more. Set a budget and stick to it. Ongoing, after startup, your biggest if not your only expense will be feed.

 

[chickens really]

I have a small flock of Chickens...I have Orpington Hens and a Brahma cross Rooster..7 in total and they are a bit expensive although like any pets/ livestock they cost money..You do not need 30 Birds but I suggest no less than 5 Hens...Pick docile breeds..

 

[red horse ranch]

I don't keep chickens and guineas and peafowl because it gives me cheap food! I keep them for the pure pleasure of having them around. The eggs and a rooster to eat once in a while are just a bonus of having them.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I don't know where you are but this Fall grade A large eggs in Aldi's grocery store were 25¢ per dozen. That is down from 28¢ a dozen this Spring. Yes that is right 25 cents per dozen or a little more than 2¢ apeace. If you desire hens get them for your own enjoyment, don't buy chickens with the expectation that you'll put Krogers or Walmart out of the egg bizz.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Do your homework PRIOR in any venture, this is a great site to learn from. Members are always more than willing to help with advice and information.

The initial start up does cost as PirateGirl stated and unless you purchase Start Ups or Adults, you'll be feeding the chicks for at least 6 - 9 months (depending on the breed) before you get any eggs.

As chickens really stated 30 is a bit much for never doing homework prior & for your first time go with the docile breeds. It is cheaper to purchase eggs than raising chickens for their eggs/meat. However most of us are "Backyard Chicken" lovers, we raise as a hobby and enjoyment of having these "Pets with Benefits". I have "limited" myself to six but find 4 is a very good number for my set up and needs. The ones that really make out are family, friends & neighbors getting fresh eggs

 

[Folly's place]

If you actually prepare, and have a plan in place, things will go MUCH better!
Thirty chicks and not ready? Not suprising that they aren't happy.
That first egg costs a lot! Housing, chicks, feed for pullets, unexpected difficulties, will all add up.
After things are organized, it's the cost of feed and time spent with the birds.
Most of us actually enjoy having chickens, spend time with them, and value the fresh eggs and meat that they provide.
It is NOT cheaper than the sale eggs or meat at the store! But the birds should be having a better life, we know what they've been eating, and value having our own, hopefully higher quality, eggs and meat.
Chickens are beautiful and entertaining, priceless.
Mary

 

[song of joy]

If you just factor the cost of keeping chickens vs. the market value of the eggs, I can tell you that it is NOT cost effective to keep chickens.

However, there are other valuable, non-quantifiable reasons that many people keep chickens, including: a hobby, self-sufficiency, quality of the eggs and meat, humane way in which the flock is kept, fertilizer for the garden, etc.

My recommendation is to start by considering what your objectives and expectations are before going into this type of venture. You're off to a very good start by doing your homework first!

 

[The Moonshiner]

Couldn't add much more then the other posters have already stated about costs.
One thing in your favor is that it sounds like it won't be long before you have a source for picking up about 30 chickens from someone that has at least put in the purchase and raising to laying age costs in for you.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us
As you've heard from others, you can't compete with factory food on price—but you can beat them on every other front. You can cancel your cable TV as chicken TV is way more entertaining Personally I can't tolerate the lack of flavor and texture in poultry purchased at the grocery store or even from a restaurant. I buy my feed mostly local and provide a high quality, non-GMO feed to my birds for $11/50# bag, but it took work to find it. They also eat plenty of grass and bugs. All get to express themselves as chickens, turkeys and ducks. Everyone can fly (except maybe my older Toms) and they get to choose to remain within the safety of their electric fencing or to venture to other pastures. Like any hobby, it's what you make of it and works for you.