With all of you keeping the specialty "farm fresh egg" market low I don't know if it is worth time or effort to pursue our flock growth.
Here are my calculations for the feed and chick costs per dozen eggs produced. The following calculations DO NOT include anything for housing, labor, utilities, packaging, veterinary care, bedding, equipment, advertising, supplies, or any other costs associated with producing eggs.
feed/day/hen 0.3
laying efficiency 0.85
feed $/50 # bag $12.00
Hen Feed $/dozen $1.02
Chick cost $2.00
starter feed (lb/bird) 7.5
Starter feed $/50# bag $13.00
Starter feed $/hen $1.95
Grower Feed (lb/bird) 12.5
Grower Feed $/50 # bag $11.00
Grower Feed $/hen $2.75
Total costs to POL $6.70
Cost/dozen eggs (assumes 20 dozen lifetime production) $0.34
Total Cost/Dozen $1.35
I run into this issue with our commercial hay business all the time. We price our hay based on our production inputs and and yields. I am constantly fighting the "hobby haymakers" that price their hay at $2.50 regardless of quality, yield, or market conditions.
Home grown, naturally raised eggs should cost substantially MORE than the eggs found in grocery stores for several reasons. Don't fall into the trap of "it covers my feed costs" because it ruins the market for those of us that choose to approach these specialty food production venues as a business.
Jim