How Do You Live off Your Passion for Chickens?

[Killer Tomato]

If it's finding an honest job, for the immediate *now* that you need, start telling everyone you know that you need work, and that you will do *anything* (legal, of course). Even in the worst recession, I've found jobs this way. Searching the classifieds, online, has been the least effective way, for me, in finding employment. It wasn't my dream job, but honest work, and it paid the bills. It usually led to something else, down the road.

For the chicken dream employment, make a list of what you can do. You don't have to be sensible just yet, but list the possibilities. Can you create a blog and a find few small ads to support your page? Can you get some good breeders, and sell /ship fertilized eggs that are in demand? Can you incubate and sell chicks (is there a market for this?)? Can you sell eating eggs someplace where they pay a lot per dozen? (Marans eggs go for $9.25/dozen at the fancy health food store in town here!!!) Can you breed the fancy chickens for fly fishing? (would you be able to cull them?)? Do you have a specialty, and can consult people with their chickens? When you have your list of possible jobs, search them on this site, and see how people here have accomplished their chicken dream jobs.

In your off time, start writing your book, and look into createspace or another self publishing tool. There's plenty of chicken books out there -- why not yours??? Good luck!

 

[Henrik Petersson]

If it's finding an honest job, for the immediate *now* that you need, start telling everyone you know that you need work, and that you will do *anything* (legal, of course). Even in the worst recession, I've found jobs this way. Searching the classifieds, online, has been the least effective way, for me, in finding employment. It wasn't my dream job, but honest work, and it paid the bills. It usually led to something else, down the road.

This turned into a "what job can I get"-thread rather than a "how can I make a living off chickens"-thread. Oh well, it's in "Random Ramblings", after all, so that's okay.

As I said earlier, McDonalds almost never hires around these parts. There is one job, however, in town that always hires: A telemarketing job.

This job, however, has two downsides:
1) It's hell on earth.
2) It's impossible to get a steady employment. Don't know the technical terms in English, but you're hired on a weekly basis. So it's impossible to get a bank loan. So it's impossible for me to buy a house, and it's impossible for me to get chickens.

I don't have chickens today, it's my parent who have it. I just visit them often.

For the chicken dream employment, make a list of what you can do. You don't have to be sensible just yet, but list the possibilities. Can you create a blog and a find few small ads to support your page? Can you get some good breeders, and sell /ship fertilized eggs that are in demand? Can you incubate and sell chicks (is there a market for this?)? Can you sell eating eggs someplace where they pay a lot per dozen? (Marans eggs go for $9.25/dozen at the fancy health food store in town here!!!) Can you breed the fancy chickens for fly fishing? (would you be able to cull them?)? Do you have a specialty, and can consult people with their chickens? When you have your list of possible jobs, search them on this site, and see how people here have accomplished their chicken dream jobs.

In your off time, start writing your book, and look into createspace or another self publishing tool. There's plenty of chicken books out there -- why not yours??? Good luck!

Oh, if I get my money from other venues anyway, I could care less about getting money from the chickens. I just started the thread on the off chance that I could get money from my hobby.

 

[Killer Tomato]

I did telemarketing for a while -- it was a paycheck.

I was trying to list off the ways that I've "heard" that folks actually make money on their chickens (breeding, hatching, specialty) -- to see where your interests were, and what you could look into. You'll have to do the digging for success stories -- I'm sure they are out there.

After the cost of feed, I make $6-15 a month on egg sales. I have 9 hens. My chicken passion is not a money maker, but I'm not losing money any more.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Making money on live chickens is kind of difficult... and so much depends on YOUR market. Maybe keep a small flock and use your writing to sell to magazines and such in addition to the other options mentioned.

Let me share my personal experience... I can sell eating eggs for $4-5/dozen... it cost me $2.50 to produce... not including my time, housing, or property... Do you already have property or housing available for said birds? Plus LOT'S of other people trying to sell eggs here. That is NOT profitable unless keeping a whole lot of high producing breeds... which AREN'T the breeds I love... and not all chickens are created equal... If I'm not keeping the breeds I love... NOT worth it to me... it would then just be a job, and as you say kind of heartless. I need motivation other than just knowing I "should" to happily clean up tons of poo. I no longer sell eating eggs, it isn't worth my time.

I considered a petting zoo... as I live in a vacation destination, with visitors from around the world. Homeowners insurance wants their say and a policy to protect themselves, and taxing agencies want their share too! And people rarely know how to control themselves much less their children... so I didn't pursue that route. But it does sound like it could be fun.

I had "rare" breeds... come to find out... rare breeds don't sell that many but popular breeds sell as fast I choose to hatch them... I have gone with harder to find QUALITY but popular breeds... as my main sellers, in this instance it's Marans and Silkies... They sell... no questions asked for $9 EACH... unsexed chick... and so far many repeat customers... to the point I rarely even advertise (for free on craigslist), word of mouth counts, quality counts. Think I will raise to $10/chick this year. My quality and genetics took several years of accumulation and SELECTION to get where I am... and knowing my breeds well and my passion is part of what I KNOW people are paying for. Some have even driven 7 hours or more each way and stayed in hotels to make their purchase, though I don't consider that the norm.

My birds do free range all winter, less during heavy rain... Summer pasture can be just as barren in some locations. I decided I need to earn at least $100/month... to cover JUST my flock expenses (this is a major variable in different locations)... NOT including what I have invested in shelters. We didn't have a bunch of scrap wood and stuff laying around... and while I do like upcycling... time and energy count in my cost evaluation.

Hatching eggs sell for $65/dozen depending on breed... Pullets still a ways from laying $20-25... Once laying I sell all for $30 each... These are my grow outs or culls from my breeding program, accidental cross breeds as escapes do happen, or even hatchery birds I raised when I first got bitten. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. I am going to charge closer to $50 for the harder to find colors of mature layer that are truly breeding or show quality, but haven't let any of them go yet... as building my own stock is most important. Again the reason for higher price... let them try to find them elsewhere (at this quality) and see how hard it is! For me this is JUST a hobby. I am a housewife.. with a passion for chickens and a hint of OCD, and the payoff comes from sooo much more than $'s can do for me. It's something to focus my otherwise negative energy that worries about things on something more positive... both emotional and physical therapy... a reason to get up even on the cold and dreary mornings that might otherwise find the bed or chair just sucking my life away, literally. No need to "exercise" or got to the gym!

In the US, if you want to ship across state lines, you need an NPIP certification... which cost varies by state... I don't wish to pursue as I am just a hobbyist. But I'm sure that would open up the revenue possibilities.. I don't want to be a hatchery though.. there is nothing special about most hatchery birds. I do however have about 5 breeds and a few varieties I am working with.

One pay off that takes a fair amount of commitment... all the grow outs that are male... feed my family. A few do sell as an occasional person will be looking, but I don't waste time or energy trying to sell them. Most people can't have roosters and those that can can't usually accommodate many... Depending on age they sell for not less than $10 to take them off my table... they don't hatch or raise themselves for free. Since I am raising mostly heritage breeds, I keep a separate stag pen as they are often trying to mate before they are ready to be processed and again I work hard to control my genetics. An older PROVEN demeanor rooster will go for $30... IF I ever decided they were expendable. If you don't have the ability to cull OR someone who will do it for you... I would NOT be hatching in any way... giving away cockerels will eat up all your earnings... unless you hatch sex linked (or auto sexing) chicks and cull or give away/sell at hatch to someone raising for meat... value would be around $1-2/ male chick here. SOO much depends on YOUR market! Yes we even eat older hens who may not be suitable as layers for new homes... I won't let a birds go to a home where it won't meet the new owners needs.

Even when you have made heavy selection for quality genetics... things happen and embryo's can hatch with deformities... some may be acceptable... I cull immediately for anything that can be carried forward in my stock or will present a problem later in life, such as splay leg. A bent toe may be OK to sell but In had one hatch with toes completely folded under after a power outage during incubation. It was my first deformity and I let it live and rehomed to a pet home... but know now where I stand. Things can and sometimes do get worse with age and more weight. Some people are simply too emotional to make the hard decisions... if that's you... don't hatch.

Even if you just do eating eggs... accidents and illness happen, and culling is a skill that is valued... especially if it's a bird you like but NEED to end it's suffering.

Free ranging has pluses and minuses... it may save you OR cost you! I lost 3 chicks this past season to predators in just a few days... @ $9/pop (these were purchased, not hatched here) I couldn't afford to keep feeding the hawk! And so temporary lock down was the financially sound choice in THAT instance.

The more birds you keep... the more things you see and deal with. I average around 75 birds at any given time... sometimes more with hatching, I aim for closer to 40-50 during winter... and I hardly ever eat eggs.

Keeping things at a level I am comfortable with... as described above... so far this year I made $1100.00 (not including my expenses) and put 25 birds in my freezer. I still have a couple pullets to let go of (maybe another $60) and at least 25 more boys headed for freezer camp.

My end all answer is... chickens is a difficult way to try and make a living... as a small timer, getting expenses of keeping your own birds covered is a more realistic goal. To truly make money, I would think a larger operation including other employees to do the nasty stuff would help keep the "joy" of chicken keeping alive... otherwise, come time to trim poo butts, break broody's, treat for parasites, and do other tasks (like carrying 50# bags of feed)... can eat your energy away. Come the end of summer... I am just so exhausted, daylight savings time adjustment and longer sleeping hours are something I actually long for, in contrast to before this grand adventure. I usually end up asking myself, is it time to let it go! Alas the answer is not yet, I just need some sleep.

I did ask other "serious" breeders if they made any money... the resounding answer across the boards was... it took several years, and now they are breaking even.

Consultation... is one idea! There are many companies in this area that "rent" flocks with their home and all... come set it up and offer the option to purchase, if you happen to enjoy... or will retrieve at the end should peeps decide it ain't for them. Advertising on your own vehicle is practically free after your initial investment. Heck rope your friends and family in. Seems like it's better for those in metropolitan area's... but hey it all adds up. Websites are affordable. This will depend partly on your real understanding and experience in addition to your social skills. While I am 100% kill them with kindness person and have very effective communication skills, I am truly an introvert... and being "out" all the time would likely still my joy. I wanna be with my birds. But maybe traveling is good for YOU... travel expenses are a write off on taxes, but our individual liability and exemptions are enough that it isn't worth MY time making a "business" out of it... Government has their nose in EVERYTHING we do here! Not sure how the Sweed's are.

My first rare breed chicken... Swedish Flower Hen (and roos of course)... sold for crud, and better on paper than in reality... but still beautiful birds!

Hope this is kinda the type of answer you were really looking for. Please let me now if you have any specific questions, I do indeed love helping people.. to the best of MY ability.

 

[Killer Tomato]

Making money on live chickens is kind of difficult... and so much depends on YOUR market. Maybe keep a small flock and use your writing to sell to magazines and such in addition to the other options mentioned.

Let me share my personal experience... I can sell eating eggs for $4-5/dozen... it cost me $2.50 to produce... not including my time, housing, or property... Do you already have property or housing available for said birds? Plus LOT'S of other people trying to sell eggs here. That is NOT profitable unless keeping a whole lot of high producing breeds... which AREN'T the breeds I love... and not all chickens are created equal... If I'm not keeping the breeds I love... NOT worth it to me... it would then just be a job, and as you say kind of heartless. I need motivation other than just knowing I "should" to happily clean up tons of poo. I no longer sell eating eggs, it isn't worth my time.

I considered a petting zoo... as I live in a vacation destination, with visitors from around the world. Homeowners insurance wants their say and a policy to protect themselves, and taxing agencies want their share too! And people rarely know how to control themselves much less their children... so I didn't pursue that route. But it does sound like it could be fun.

I had "rare" breeds... come to find out... rare breeds don't sell that many but popular breeds sell as fast I choose to hatch them... I have gone with harder to find QUALITY but popular breeds... as my main sellers, in this instance it's Marans and Silkies... They sell... no questions asked for $9 EACH... unsexed chick... and so far many repeat customers... to the point I rarely even advertise (for free on craigslist), word of mouth counts, quality counts. Think I will raise to $10/chick this year. My quality and genetics took several years of accumulation and SELECTION to get where I am... and knowing my breeds well and my passion is part of what I KNOW people are paying for. Some have even driven 7 hours or more each way and stayed in hotels to make their purchase, though I don't consider that the norm.

My birds do free range all winter, less during heavy rain... Summer pasture can be just as barren in some locations. I decided I need to earn at least $100/month... to cover JUST my flock expenses (this is a major variable in different locations)... NOT including what I have invested in shelters. We didn't have a bunch of scrap wood and stuff laying around... and while I do like upcycling... time and energy count in my cost evaluation.

Hatching eggs sell for $65/dozen depending on breed... Pullets still a ways from laying $20-25... Once laying I sell all for $30 each... These are my grow outs or culls from my breeding program, accidental cross breeds as escapes do happen, or even hatchery birds I raised when I first got bitten. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. I am going to charge closer to $50 for the harder to find colors of mature layer that are truly breeding or show quality, but haven't let any of them go yet... as building my own stock is most important. Again the reason for higher price... let them try to find them elsewhere (at this quality) and see how hard it is! For me this is JUST a hobby. I am a housewife.. with a passion for chickens and a hint of OCD, and the payoff comes from sooo much more than $'s can do for me. It's something to focus my otherwise negative energy that worries about things on something more positive... both emotional and physical therapy... a reason to get up even on the cold and dreary mornings that might otherwise find the bed or chair just sucking my life away, literally. No need to "exercise" or got to the gym!

In the US, if you want to ship across state lines, you need an NPIP certification... which cost varies by state... I don't wish to pursue as I am just a hobbyist. But I'm sure that would open up the revenue possibilities.. I don't want to be a hatchery though.. there is nothing special about most hatchery birds. I do however have about 5 breeds and a few varieties I am working with.

One pay off that takes a fair amount of commitment... all the grow outs that are male... feed my family. A few do sell as an occasional person will be looking, but I don't waste time or energy trying to sell them. Most people can't have roosters and those that can can't usually accommodate many... Depending on age they sell for not less than $10 to take them off my table... they don't hatch or raise themselves for free. Since I am raising mostly heritage breeds, I keep a separate stag pen as they are often trying to mate before they are ready to be processed and again I work hard to control my genetics. An older PROVEN demeanor rooster will go for $30... IF I ever decided they were expendable. If you don't have the ability to cull OR someone who will do it for you... I would NOT be hatching in any way... giving away cockerels will eat up all your earnings... unless you hatch sex linked (or auto sexing) chicks and cull or give away/sell at hatch to someone raising for meat... value would be around $1-2/ male chick here. SOO much depends on YOUR market! Yes we even eat older hens who may not be suitable as layers for new homes... I won't let a birds go to a home where it won't meet the new owners needs.

Even when you have made heavy selection for quality genetics... things happen and embryo's can hatch with deformities... some may be acceptable... I cull immediately for anything that can be carried forward in my stock or will present a problem later in life, such as splay leg. A bent toe may be OK to sell but In had one hatch with toes completely folded under after a power outage during incubation. It was my first deformity and I let it live and rehomed to a pet home... but know now where I stand. Things can and sometimes do get worse with age and more weight. Some people are simply too emotional to make the hard decisions... if that's you... don't hatch.

Even if you just do eating eggs... accidents and illness happen, and culling is a skill that is valued... especially if it's a bird you like but NEED to end it's suffering.

Free ranging has pluses and minuses... it may save you OR cost you! I lost 3 chicks this past season to predators in just a few days... @ $9/pop (these were purchased, not hatched here) I couldn't afford to keep feeding the hawk! And so temporary lock down was the financially sound choice in THAT instance.

The more birds you keep... the more things you see and deal with. I average around 75 birds at any given time... sometimes more with hatching, I aim for closer to 40-50 during winter... and I hardly ever eat eggs.

Keeping things at a level I am comfortable with... as described above... so far this year I made $1100.00 (not including my expenses) and put 25 birds in my freezer. I still have a couple pullets to let go of (maybe another $60) and at least 25 more boys headed for freezer camp.

My end all answer is... chickens is a difficult way to try and make a living... as a small timer, getting expenses of keeping your own birds covered is a more realistic goal. To truly make money, I would think a larger operation including other employees to do the nasty stuff would help keep the "joy" of chicken keeping alive... otherwise, come time to trim poo butts, break broody's, treat for parasites, and do other tasks (like carrying 50# bags of feed)... can eat your energy away. Come the end of summer... I am just so exhausted, daylight savings time adjustment and longer sleeping hours are something I actually long for, in contrast to before this grand adventure. I usually end up asking myself, is it time to let it go! Alas the answer is not yet, I just need some sleep.

I did ask other "serious" breeders if they made any money... the resounding answer across the boards was... it took several years, and now they are breaking even.

Consultation... is one idea! There are many companies in this area that "rent" flocks with their home and all... come set it up and offer the option to purchase, if you happen to enjoy... or will retrieve at the end should peeps decide it ain't for them. Advertising on your own vehicle is practically free after your initial investment. Heck rope your friends and family in. Seems like it's better for those in metropolitan area's... but hey it all adds up. Websites are affordable. This will depend partly on your real understanding and experience in addition to your social skills. While I am 100% kill them with kindness person and have very effective communication skills, I am truly an introvert... and being "out" all the time would likely still my joy. I wanna be with my birds. But maybe traveling is good for YOU... travel expenses are a write off on taxes, but our individual liability and exemptions are enough that it isn't worth MY time making a "business" out of it... Government has their nose in EVERYTHING we do here! Not sure how the Sweed's are.

My first rare breed chicken... Swedish Flower Hen (and roos of course)... sold for crud, and better on paper than in reality... but still beautiful birds!

Hope this is kinda the type of answer you were really looking for. Please let me now if you have any specific questions, I do indeed love helping people.. to the best of MY ability.

I think you could write the book and self publish or do the consulting job! Very well said.

 

[itsasmallfarm]

like others said you need to find a market.

i get asked quite often about my duck eggs, for baking, but i only have 2 Swedish ducks so there not really good layers. but that is a market i could explore if i wanted to.

you never know what demand is out there

good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

You need to treat finding income as a job. When i was looking i would go out for 8 hours a day and apply as many places as i could. I now have a good paying job that i hate but i have chickens at home to hug so its all good

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

What about pet-sitting for other people, making chicken care-taking your specialty? There are full-time professional pet sitters out there who seem to get by, but they mostly seem to focus on dogs and cats. Someone who knows how to properly take care of chickens/ducks/other farm animals is harder to find. You could use your parents as a reference in the beginning. Maybe they have other chicken-owning friends who need help?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

What about pet-sitting for other people, making chicken care-taking your specialty? There are full-time professional pet sitters out there who seem to get by, but they mostly seem to focus on dogs and cats. Someone who knows how to properly take care of chickens/ducks/other farm animals is harder to find. You could use your parents as a reference in the beginning. Maybe they have other chicken-owning friends who need help?

That is a fantastic suggestion!

People like myself have chickens, dogs, goats and so on... finding someone you trust so you can leave town is difficult to do and stops us from vacationing.

I get all the peeps trying to be helpful with their suggestions about getting a job or finding income... the thing is this... we don't ALL need a job or income RIGHT now.. and it's awesome that you are thinking of ways to make money on something you love WHILE you still have the support of your family. Here in the US we have been taught be self reliant and push our kids to their limits... to their detriment. They have the REST of their lives to be a slave to the world and it's demands! Gone are the days when a kid could mow the lawn for a few bucks to spend at the local pool.

There has been a saying do what you love and money will follow... that isn't true... But, do what you love and NEVER work a day in your life... partly true.

Yes you can make money off your passion... you just gotta find ways to market it, and then be able to execute them.

Thing is... what I am passionate in my 40's is not the same as what I was passionate about as a teen or young adult... we grow and change. I'm not sure if having this passion would have helped or hurt in my younger days... but I'm sure glad for where it stands today. Let your light shine.