Eggs are expensive

[PamNiles]

Hi everyone, What would you say to someone who might be thinking of starting to raise chickens and is now looking at the high price of eggs in supermarkets, thinking this might be a reason, or tipping point, to finally take the plunge and start building a chicken enclosure and getting chickens? Is that a good reason (high egg prices) to start raising chickens? Or what about a combination of wanting to raise chickens, with the price of supermarket eggs being the catalyst to get you off the couch? Particularly interested in hearing from people in Illinois and anywhere near Chicago (which apparently is one of the few big cities that allows raising backyard chickens). Thanks!

 

[User690263]

Welcome to BYC! I think that is definitely a valid reason to start raising chickens.
Feel free to make yourself right at home

 

[Tstraub]

It will likely take about 6-9 months and $1,000-$5,000 to get that first egg. That being said if you’re OK with that I highly recommend you take the plunge.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I’ve told people the $7-$9 per dozen eggs are selling for here is WAY lower than what mine are costing me.

Of course a carton of Publix eggs doesn’t provide entertainment or company, so I’d say go for it!

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Dominique King]

Same. I raise my flock for eggs and sell them and use the money to buy chicken food and other chicken supplies. So all in all, the flock provides for itself! Welcome to BYC!

 

[CurlyChickenGirly]

Welcome! Glad you are here! I know people keep chickens for many reasons. For us personally, we wanted to make sure we were eating good quality eggs (even the “organic, free-range eggs” in stores by us can be questionable). Plus we just wanted the experience and the companionship of chickens.

 

[FrostRanger]

Main expense with chickens is getting a proper setup. That said, there are ways to do it for not a ton of money if you know where to look (I think I only paid a few hundred for my setup). Idk if I've necessarily made my money back but the enjoyment I get from them is worth it and it is a bit of extra food security. I would absolutely take the plunge. While you're at it, start a small garden too, chicken manure is amazing fertilizer

Most importantly welcome to byc! Ask all the questions you like!

 

[sourland]

It's worth a try. There are far more benefits than just eggs.

 

[CCsGarden]

Hi everyone, What would you say to someone who might be thinking of starting to raise chickens and is now looking at the high price of eggs in supermarkets, thinking this might be a reason, or tipping point, to finally take the plunge and start building a chicken enclosure and getting chickens? Is that a good reason (high egg prices) to start raising chickens? Or what about a combination of wanting to raise chickens, with the price of supermarket eggs being the catalyst to get you off the couch? Particularly interested in hearing from people in Illinois and anywhere near Chicago (which apparently is one of the few big cities that allows raising backyard chickens). Thanks!

I started raising chickens because I wanted my eggs and eggs we very expensive. As long as you are willing to give them the right care, then go for it! Make sure they have a nice big coop, a roosting area that at least has a roof, clean water and food. Feel free to ask more questions!

 

[N F C]

Hi, people have a variety of reasons keeping a flock...for the nutritious eggs, as a hobby, a meat source, for entertainment, for fertilizer, etc. Establishing a flock can have an initial cost to get started but if you enjoy what you're doing, it's worth it.