Not enuff eggs..or need more chickens

[palabeco]

Ok, so the pullet eggs are getting big enough to sell, and my dh announces at work we will be selling eggs, there were about five people saying I want some and a couple people said they wanted 2 dozen a week. Plus a lady down the road from us wants a dozen a week. I am only getting about 5 1/2 dozen a week and need around 1 1/2 dozen for myself. I better get busy and build a bigger coop and get more chickens!!!!

 

[maplesky7]

or say you don't have enough and pick the people who will be your regulars.

only raise enough chickens that YOU are comfortable with, without bending to the demands of others who often fall short...if you know what i mean.

me,
g

 

[walkswithdog]

In dealing with people who "want" eggs. Start selling what you have to the people who actually "buy" them, not just say they want them. There are those who will say so, and NOT actually do it regularly.

Figure out first what your actual client list is. What their demands, preferences and scheduals are. Folks who say they want eggs are unhatched eggs. People who do buy what you do have and do so regularly are your first consideration. Then if they consistently would buy more than you produce, more chickens, or better layers.

If you don't have more room, sort the birds you have for the BEST layers and turn the others to soup to make room for better birds. If you have a mixed flock, older birds and/or limited space consider some of the uber producer breeds instead. What you can do rationally within your current limits makes more sense while you're starting up. Maximize your flock, sort your clients, then if there is enough demand consider up sizing.

Doing the expensive and risky first, is cart before horse stuff.

Stick to the comfortable and practical. You can do it. You've a good start.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Same here! LOL my hubby announced taht he would have eggs and we already have 7 who want to be customers. We have 20 hens...soon to get more! I LOVE chickens and I want a hundred! LOL I love going out and taking care of them and I love spending time with them. I'm a stay at home mom so my son and I LOVE this "job" lol We could sell as many eggs as we can produce. And we told them 3 bucks a dozen for eggs that come from free range hens. It helps to mention if they are free range. People LOVE free range. Our hens are not laying yet...only 13 weeks old but soon

I can't wait! I told them if they want the pullet sized eggs I would charge 2 bucks a dozen...they were fine with that.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I almost forgot to mention...We also had people ask for bantam sized eggs for their kids lol. We are raising D'uccle so hopefully they will lay smaller eggs through out their lives. Were also getting cochin bantams.

 

[silkiechicken]

Yes, feel out the people who want them vs do buy them. I've had lot say they want them, but often aren't very regular about it. I had a handful of excellent customers so they ended up at the top of the list so to say.

 

[walkswithdog]

When actually trying to make a buck - sure sure - it's always helpful to make good lists of actual buyers and what they always want and would like.

Too many people "want" lots and buy little, happens in every field from adopting out puppies, to buying your eggs, to showing up to events. There are talkers and those who actually do.

A lot of people like ideas, colored eggs, puppies, parties. They're often no shows.

This time I'm suiting myself. Working on a flock of PR's that I hope will eventually produce like Barreds. I'm adding JGs or Cochins because I LOVE big birds. And I'll find those folks who buy regular and work from there. Moving was rough but I'm enjoying the fresh, slow start.

I have to watch Laura, she'd give away eggs too often. "Oh I won't charge HER," if she had her way that would really add up. I'm putting my foot on it. She can give away 2 doz a week once the flock is at full production. Period. Everybody else buys or trades.

The vegetarian gardeners down the road and I have a standing deal, eggs for veggies next year.

 

[lovemychicks9]

More Fuzzy's YEAH!!!!!

 

[JennsPeeps]

Lots of people in our circles have hinted that they'd appreciate some eggs.
(then grow your own chickens)

I am waiting to see how many eggs we get/use on a regular basis before I promise anything!

One friend offered to barter & trade her yarn for eggs or any of my garden produce. The problem, which I'm to polite to say, is that she buys cheap, crappy, polyester/acrylic yarn in ugly colors and that I don't want any of it! I keep going, "oh well I need to see how much I've got!"

 

[BettyR]

Quote:
Have you decided what you were going to ask for them?

I think the going price for yard eggs here is around $3.00 a dozen....that may clear some of the crowd out. A lot of people expect back yard egg producers to sell their eggs cheaper than what the grocery store gets for cage eggs. When they discover that you aren't going to give them away then they aren't interested any more.