Eggs... $100 a dozen, chickens.....priceless

[Denninmi]

When my dad was alive, he was obsessed with fishing, particularly sportfishing on the Great Lakes for salmon, walleye, muskies, etc. He spent thousands and thousands on the latest whatevers. We used to tell him it was a good thing the fish was so tasty, because it probably cost $50 a lb.

Some things transcend money, IMO, and the ability to grow something healthy to feed yourself is one of those things. At least you control what goes into it -- well, until they girls find a small garter snake and scarf it down like it's candy, but that's another issue entirely!

 

[bantiesrule]

It's called "chicken math" for a reason-you don't need to rationalize it, you just NEED more chickens.

 

[fl_deb]

I am one of those that got chickens as pets specifically because they are ultimately more affordable than a cat or dog. So it depends on how you look at the finances, the cost of feeding the animal(s), vet bills, credit for intangibles such as "dog therapy" vs. "chicken therapy", cost of treats, housing maintenance, etc..

My last vet check for my dog was over $500 for yearly meds and check. So I figured if I spent less than that in my first year I would be ahead, and like everyone said there are ways to reduce costs for feeding them.

Good luck with your birds, but most of all enjoy the laughter they will bring you.