New to raising Chickens

[Devers232]

Hello BYC,

The other day we were having eggs and my wife asked what the ROI would be if we started raising our own chickens. The past month we have started eating a healthier/organic diet and found that it is hard to find organic eggs without spending a lot on organic at the grocery store or making a trip to the Amish communities when the farmers markets are in their off season.

Today I started looking at prices and supplies that would be needed to start raising some chicks, and thought it would be fun for our daughter.

I did have a rough estimate on things but what would be some unseen expenses? What would you consider as an ROI? Both short and long term?

 

[Chick Charm]

Going organic is either expensive or a LOT of work. Unless you going to do it on a big scale, money wise you will not see a return. However how much are you willing to sacrifice for truly healthy food?

Wish ya the best.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Glad you joined us!

There's nothing like eating your own eggs that are laid by your own hens. I've had mine for four years and still am excited every time I find eggs in the nest.

However, I've never worked out the money thing. I'm pretty sure my hen's eggs would be pretty darn expensive.

But, the benefits not only of the eggs, but the fertilizer and the entertainment value is worth it to me.

Good luck with your decisions. You will probably find LOTS of encouragement here!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X2 organic tends to be expensive and a lot of work, a lot will depend what is available in your area and what feed stuffs you can get. Here is a website that gives examples of cost breakdowns http://cherthollowfarm.com/2012/01/economics-of-small-farm-pastured-eggs/ Feed costs will depend on your area, and what you can grow or scraps you can get for free etc. A lot of the other stuff you can put together cheaply, Coops, check the coop section for coops/runs made out of re-purposed material like skids. If you want the hens to keep laying in the winter you will need to have light in the coop so you will need access to electric.

 

[herechilychiky]

Hello, welcome to BYC! Good luck with your endeavor.

 

[TwoCrows]

Good luck in your new poultry adventures and welcome to BYC!

 

[sourland]

Hello

and Welcome To BYC! X2 organic tends to be expensive and a lot of work, a lot will depend what is available in your area and what feed stuffs you can get. Here is a website that gives examples of cost breakdowns http://cherthollowfarm.com/2012/01/economics-of-small-farm-pastured-eggs/ Feed costs will depend on your area, and what you can grow or scraps you can get for free etc. A lot of the other stuff you can put together cheaply, Coops, check the coop section for coops/runs made out of re-purposed material like skids. If you want the hens to keep laying in the winter you will need to have light in the coop so you will need access to electric.

Welcome to BYC.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[gander007]

 

[roostersandhens]