Monthly/Yearly General Costs

[citykitty]

Hi everyone, chicken newbie here, with newbie questions. We're getting ready to take the plunge and get our chickens. I'm trying to get an idea of general monthly/yearly costs, not including the coop, run, and initial bird purchase, those one time large costs. I'm going to have 4-6 hens and 2-4 bantams.

• How many/what kind (meat, laying, show, etc.) of birds do you have?
• How much do you spend monthly on food? Bedding? Medication?
• What other costs are there that I'm not thinking of?

I'm a planner, so I don't want some huge cost surprise that I'm not prepared for. I've done some searching throughout the forums as well. Thank you in advance!

 

[Kasilofchrisn]

I've got 8 full size chickens and if I remember correctly last time I did the math they cost me roughly $50 per month.
That of course is Alaska prices.
Feed and other supplies where you live may be cheaper.
I have a 4x8 coop and use a bag of pine shavings a month at $12.40 a bag.
You might use other things in your coop that are cheaper or possibly free.
I clean it out every two weeks half a bag each time.
Feed cost me roughly $18-$20 a 50# bag of the stuff I like iirc.
Cheaper at Walmart for another brand but I prefer the stuff made here in AK.
Plus a small bag of grit and oyster shells a year.
Treats also add some to my monthly bill.
Quality feeders and waterers last for years.
I have an electric heated waterer for winter and one I like better for summer use.
May get around this summer to modifying my summer waterer for winter use using an old broken electric waterer I have.
I do have a light in the coop all winter but not in summer. Haven't bothered to price the electric for heated waterer and light but it can't be that much.
The fresh eggs and the compost material I get for my garden plus the fun of raising chickens makes it well worth it for me.

 

[citykitty]

Thank you, this is great info!