Is it really that bad?
What about selling hatching eggs? This is so sad to hear.
How are other people making it work out? Is it that food for chickens is too expensive? Yikes, what are we in for?
We saw a you tube tutorial where a turkey farm lady was making $$$$. She seemed to have a system down. I would think that an egg business is good but now I'm rethinking. We were thinking that longer term, we would make food ingredients, eggs, herbs, etc. and sell the cooked items, something people like to eat, and do some kind of catering. It's a LOT of work but hey everything's a lot of work. I find that people in my area would rather buy the cooked burger than the raw dead cow. Maybe sell cookies, or cakes or something?
There is a location factor here. We have the Farmers market. There are a number of folks who sell eggs, but I believe them to be production birds, which I don't care to have. I also don't have a set up for 100 birds. As for hatching eggs, folks don't want to pay for them. At least no one in my area. To ship them safely it means an expense for bubble wrap.
I'm right now working up my Birchens maran flock. However I've believe there are quite a few unscrupulous sellers out there and I prefer not to work that way. My Maran chicks had crooked toes as did the other chicks with the order. The breeder got real upset when I complained, though I'm sure they lost money, after it was all over and done with. I simply can't work that way. I'm working now to improviing the line.
Selling eggs can be a good business if you have a market. In the Syracuse area there are many folks who have chickens and sell eggs. To diversification is key. This means shipping if you can, plus like some at the market selling there too.
At our market there are, at least two who sell for dogs, two or three soap makers, many bakers, two or three seasoning sellers, at least two organic beef and chicken meat sellers, one wool, chicken, egg seller. (she's very nice). Two or more cheese sellers. One milks seller, that I saw yesterday.
I can't be sure how many dozens of eggs are sold each week. I haven't asked. Folks would prefer extra large to large eggs. Production birds lay these. I don't keep them. Heritage birds lay average a large egg.
As folks on this thread can tell you, folks don't want to pay for unsexed chicks such that it makes it worth the trouble. Perhaps if you intend to process non sellers, but you'll have a freezer full in no time I suspect.
Many even here prefer to buy from hatcheries that can sex chicks. It's expensive for individuals to buy boxes and sell chicks. 25 is the going count for safe delivery and in some cases even then there are casualties. The USPS for my last three deliveries were late with over night. One resulting in an entire shipment being doa.
Sellers of eggs, blame everything on the PO. However I've had good hatches and bad. There are many things that can affect a hatch. Some being the health of the chickens, fertility, line and freshness. This last hatch I got two chicks and they are runts. I hatched my own too as a control. My chick is larger and fluffy.
Some other thoughts.
I had a friend who was keeping Golden Comets and RIR's . His last flock of 100 birds didn't lay well, so he sold them all. He was getting $3.00 dz. However the chicks he got must not have been a good line. Breeding is very important and there is IMO inbreeding going on. Especially in the show lines. If you can hatch your own and dispatch roo chicks like hatcheries do then you may do well.
You need to know your competition. Store eggs are still cheaper and you have to figure what the market will allow.
Too you need land lots of land and structures. I have no barns and while I am legal not to the degree that I can keep 100's of birds. It would mean bigger and more coops.
Too you need to have age on your side. My kids are grown and some live out of state. I can't leave DW to take care of things, it's just not fair. She is supportive but I must be fair. Lord knows she does far to much now.
Now in your case don't be discouraged. Keep good records and have a business plan. If you can do some market research. If you buy chicks, pay for good chicks. Keep good breeding records. Keep a closed flock. Take loses in stride and carry on. Keep in mind that folks don't like to say things aren't well. It takes time and money to build a reputation. Good or bad.
I'll still keep some chickens I suppose, just tailor my focus more. Perhaps on my marans and Dels. To become a good breeder it takes hundreds of a breed to develop a good line.
Jody in PA, Hinkjc has the best Orps but she keeps lots of birds and has a husband who helps. Check out her web site. She has great pictures. It can be done.
