I've raised LOT's of animals, chickens included, though currently all I have is two Shepherds (who I don't breed, puppies are hard!)
The only critters I ever actually saw a profit on were African Pygmy Hedgehogs and African Cichlid fish. The rest, lucky to break even on.
Now that I'm getting back into chickens, I wanted to see if there was a way to atleast break even. I've always fancied the rare breeds and Bantams, and I managed to break even last time by selling pairs and trios. They fed themselves and I got free eggs (small as they were... LOL) Every spring my chick sales were enough to buy more breeding stock... everything stayed a float without begging money from the parents. (it was a hobby thing that kept me entertained through homeschooling)
Prices sure have changed since then!
What I'm leaning towards, is 6 full-size layers and one Roo so that I can hatch replacement hens and Roos for sale/eating as needed. I REALLY like the look of Orpingtons and Australorps.
Then a second coop of a novelty breed. Choosing that breed though, is hard! I'm fascinated by the Longtails, and I'd like to have a trio of each color of Pheonix, and set a breeding goal of achieving those long tails.
I'm known for babying Roos if they're sweet and friendly, and those Long tail guys require some rather specific spoiling.
Finding these fowl seem to be a whole other matter though when you're looking for a specific type.
But the goals are to A: Have each coop support itself, B: Do right by the birds and breed for quality C: make some additional money from the quality birds, to spend on coop upgrades and a better incubator D: Thoroughly enjoy the hobby and not have to listen to husband about the cost/overhead for the sake of enjoyment.
The only critters I ever actually saw a profit on were African Pygmy Hedgehogs and African Cichlid fish. The rest, lucky to break even on.
Now that I'm getting back into chickens, I wanted to see if there was a way to atleast break even. I've always fancied the rare breeds and Bantams, and I managed to break even last time by selling pairs and trios. They fed themselves and I got free eggs (small as they were... LOL) Every spring my chick sales were enough to buy more breeding stock... everything stayed a float without begging money from the parents. (it was a hobby thing that kept me entertained through homeschooling)
Prices sure have changed since then!
What I'm leaning towards, is 6 full-size layers and one Roo so that I can hatch replacement hens and Roos for sale/eating as needed. I REALLY like the look of Orpingtons and Australorps.
Then a second coop of a novelty breed. Choosing that breed though, is hard! I'm fascinated by the Longtails, and I'd like to have a trio of each color of Pheonix, and set a breeding goal of achieving those long tails.
I'm known for babying Roos if they're sweet and friendly, and those Long tail guys require some rather specific spoiling.
Finding these fowl seem to be a whole other matter though when you're looking for a specific type.
But the goals are to A: Have each coop support itself, B: Do right by the birds and breed for quality C: make some additional money from the quality birds, to spend on coop upgrades and a better incubator D: Thoroughly enjoy the hobby and not have to listen to husband about the cost/overhead for the sake of enjoyment.