Texas BYC Cafe

[A1momof3]

Interesting article.

Let's discuss it.

I think I read part of the thread on here that the article points to. I think the figures may be off for this area too. Not sure, but in my research it was not very expensive to raise chickens. At least it doesn't have to be. It can be very expensive.

Great thought provoking article.

I haven't had any funny eggs yet. I do have a mystery layer. Yesterday morning I went to check on the chickens, little after 6am, and found another egg in the run. It was a lot darker than any of the others I've gotten. I'm assuming she laid it the night before, since I never checked on them after I fed them some scratch around 6pm or so. I didn't get one last night, so we'll see if I get a dark egg today. I did get 2 eggs yesterday afternoon. One in the nest and one in the run.

I've been having trouble with my RD lately too. Monday was worse for me, but I'm usually wiped out for about 3 days after taking my med.

Interesting read.

The feed price around here is off I believe. I do know regular hen scratch is around $10 or so. I don't know what regular layer or starter costs. I buy the Texas Naturals. At Horaney's, its $25 for 50lbs, no matter what style you buy. When I had all 21 hens, the 50 lbs lasted me about 2 weeks. If I didn't feed the TN, I could feed them cheaper. But I want to feed a non soy, non gmo food because of my RD. That is the reason I got into chickens. I wanted non soy eggs, and not a lot of people sell them.

The main cost is building the coop. The fancier it is, the more it will cost you. The wire is the most expensive, if you get the 1/2 netting, which is what I would get. No sense in getting your chickens raised to laying age just to have something get in the coop/pen and kill them. Get what wood you can free or used, and then spend your money on the wire and it shouldn't be all that bad. Now, if I lived in town and could only have a few hens, I would be so tempted to get one of those "cutesy" coops.

I haven't had my chickens for a long time, but I do get a lot of joy with them. They are just fun to watch! As long as the cost is not too extreme, I don't see any reason not to have chickens. If you enjoy having them around, then go for it. You just have to be careful in the building stages and don't go overboard buying the "trendy" chickens.

I'm thinking the roo just scared or squeezed the not ready egg out of her. LOL It was Mostly Slow Joe.... second in command. When the Colonel heard what was going on her raced out there and stopped it. Let Joe know the French girls were his. Not sure how Jacques feels about that. LOL

As for the article.... I have been keeping all the tickets for my stuff because we will use it on our farm taxes but I have no idea about cost yet. I started out with this for eggs.... to provide eggs to my family because they are getting so high. But not 7 dollars a dz. WOW

Anyway, but now it's ending up to be eggs and breeding. So over time it think the money coming in or saved will out weigh the cost going out. But any time you do something like this to save money, you always spend more in the beginning. BUT if you factor in the cost benefit of the joy and happiness it brings to us and our families...... the impact that has on our health..... well that more than makes up for the lose. I truly believe people who have something like this that brings them that kind of joy have better health in the long run. The chemical impact it has in our bodies when you experience that joy and satisfaction is way better for us than meds!

Besides us country girls know how to do chic cheap..... garage sales!! LOL
Well, I am off to the feed store!

 

[A1momof3]

http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4557082881.html

Why do I even go on to craigslist. I have been wanting one of these!!! But I can't do it right now. My hubby would kill me and feed me to my flock! LOL

 

[Ms Jellybean]

Interesting read.

The feed price around here is off I believe. I do know regular hen scratch is around $10 or so. I don't know what regular layer or starter costs. I buy the Texas Naturals. At Horaney's, its $25 for 50lbs, no matter what style you buy. When I had all 21 hens, the 50 lbs lasted me about 2 weeks. If I didn't feed the TN, I could feed them cheaper. But I want to feed a non soy, non gmo food because of my RD. That is the reason I got into chickens. I wanted non soy eggs, and not a lot of people sell them.

The main cost is building the coop. The fancier it is, the more it will cost you. The wire is the most expensive, if you get the 1/2 netting, which is what I would get. No sense in getting your chickens raised to laying age just to have something get in the coop/pen and kill them. Get what wood you can free or used, and then spend your money on the wire and it shouldn't be all that bad. Now, if I lived in town and could only have a few hens, I would be so tempted to get one of those "cutesy" coops.

I haven't had my chickens for a long time, but I do get a lot of joy with them. They are just fun to watch! As long as the cost is not too extreme, I don't see any reason not to have chickens. If you enjoy having them around, then go for it. You just have to be careful in the building stages and don't go overboard buying the "trendy" chickens.

Great thought provoking article.
I'm thinking the roo just scared or squeezed the not ready egg out of her. LOL It was Mostly Slow Joe.... second in command. When the Colonel heard what was going on her raced out there and stopped it. Let Joe know the French girls were his. Not sure how Jacques feels about that. LOL

As for the article.... I have been keeping all the tickets for my stuff because we will use it on our farm taxes but I have no idea about cost yet. I started out with this for eggs.... to provide eggs to my family because they are getting so high. But not 7 dollars a dz. WOW

Anyway, but now it's ending up to be eggs and breeding. So over time it think the money coming in or saved will out weigh the cost going out. But any time you do something like this to save money, you always spend more in the beginning. BUT if you factor in the cost benefit of the joy and happiness it brings to us and our families...... the impact that has on our health..... well that more than makes up for the lose. I truly believe people who have something like this that brings them that kind of joy have better health in the long run. The chemical impact it has in our bodies when you experience that joy and satisfaction is way better for us than meds!

Besides us country girls know how to do chic cheap..... garage sales!! LOL
Well, I am off to the feed store!

I think this article was written mostly for those who are thinking about keeping chickens because it is trendy and a 'cool' thing to do. (Like Tori Spelling.) The people who buy them clothes and put diapers on them.

I do understand the 'I want to do this to save money' usually ends up costing more. I've been told that back yard eggs are the most expensive eggs you will eat. But when you factor in the side benefits - the fun, fertilizer, pet side - you have eggs that are 'free'.

 

[Brookshire11]

Well a sum up of the day, my BCM egg color got darker today with one of my chicks but the other one had a egg with out membrane or shell come up but it was about the same time one of the Roos jumped on her so I'm not sure what happened there. I scooped it up real fast and got it out if there before they could eat it.
But those things seem to be normal for beginners so we will see what happens the next couple of days.

I let my BCM out of their temp pen today and it went so smoothly! Of course my RIR Roo had to get him some of that French tail, my son said, lol but my BCM Roo took advantage of the BR too. James asked me what kind of chicken house are you running! Lol.

Jacques is smaller than my two other Roos but he stood his ground and didn't really let them intimidate him. I was proud of him.

When I went out to check on them just a little bit ago they were all up on the roosts like one big happy family! I so was happy!!

Ohhhh and one of my RIR started laying today. Not sure which one yet.

My Arthritic disease without a name has given me a bad time today. My right arm joints and knees have been hurting beyond my meds. So it's been a pretty non productive day.
Here's hoping tomorrow is better.

"Of course my RIR Roo had to get him some of that French tail"

Interesting article.

Let's discuss it.

I think I read part of the thread on here that the article points to. I think the figures may be off for this area too. Not sure, but in my research it was not very expensive to raise chickens. At least it doesn't have to be. It can be very expensive.

I really don't think it's as expensive as they make it out to be..I mean...people taking their chickens to the vet are kind of an exception...because even those that would spend a few hundred on a visit, usually have a hard time even finding a vet who would treat them...
Coops don't HAVE to be as expensive as people make them out to be, etc. I mean, doing it purely for eggs alone? Of course it's not worth it, but it's like having a dairy cow just to have some milk.

I haven't had any funny eggs yet. I do have a mystery layer. Yesterday morning I went to check on the chickens, little after 6am, and found another egg in the run. It was a lot darker than any of the others I've gotten. I'm assuming she laid it the night before, since I never checked on them after I fed them some scratch around 6pm or so. I didn't get one last night, so we'll see if I get a dark egg today. I did get 2 eggs yesterday afternoon. One in the nest and one in the run.

I've been having trouble with my RD lately too. Monday was worse for me, but I'm usually wiped out for about 3 days after taking my med.

Interesting read.

The feed price around here is off I believe. I do know regular hen scratch is around $10 or so. I don't know what regular layer or starter costs. I buy the Texas Naturals. At Horaney's, its $25 for 50lbs, no matter what style you buy. When I had all 21 hens, the 50 lbs lasted me about 2 weeks. If I didn't feed the TN, I could feed them cheaper. But I want to feed a non soy, non gmo food because of my RD. That is the reason I got into chickens. I wanted non soy eggs, and not a lot of people sell them.

The main cost is building the coop. The fancier it is, the more it will cost you. The wire is the most expensive, if you get the 1/2 netting, which is what I would get. No sense in getting your chickens raised to laying age just to have something get in the coop/pen and kill them. Get what wood you can free or used, and then spend your money on the wire and it shouldn't be all that bad. Now, if I lived in town and could only have a few hens, I would be so tempted to get one of those "cutesy" coops.

I haven't had my chickens for a long time, but I do get a lot of joy with them. They are just fun to watch! As long as the cost is not too extreme, I don't see any reason not to have chickens. If you enjoy having them around, then go for it. You just have to be careful in the building stages and don't go overboard buying the "trendy" chickens.

I but TN to...lol. About the same price here. It lasts me awhile with only 6 girls...

Great thought provoking article.
I'm thinking the roo just scared or squeezed the not ready egg out of her. LOL It was Mostly Slow Joe.... second in command. When the Colonel heard what was going on her raced out there and stopped it. Let Joe know the French girls were his. Not sure how Jacques feels about that. LOL

As for the article.... I have been keeping all the tickets for my stuff because we will use it on our farm taxes but I have no idea about cost yet. I started out with this for eggs.... to provide eggs to my family because they are getting so high. But not 7 dollars a dz. WOW

Anyway, but now it's ending up to be eggs and breeding. So over time it think the money coming in or saved will out weigh the cost going out. But any time you do something like this to save money, you always spend more in the beginning. BUT if you factor in the cost benefit of the joy and happiness it brings to us and our families...... the impact that has on our health..... well that more than makes up for the lose. I truly believe people who have something like this that brings them that kind of joy have better health in the long run. The chemical impact it has in our bodies when you experience that joy and satisfaction is way better for us than meds!

Besides us country girls know how to do chic cheap..... garage sales!! LOL
Well, I am off to the feed store!

Yes!
I decided on chickens for a few reasons, and then after chickens they adjusted lol
Originally it was: 1) I thought the eggs would be more nutritious and delicious. I'm a bit of a foodie so that was a selling point. That stayed true
2) I wanted to take baby steps to being a little more self sustainable and grow my knowledge. Haven't tackled the meat bird aspect yet.
3) I wanted my kids to grow up knowing that food doesn't grow on store shelves...it take somebodies time and effort (on top of the animal's or plant's effort) to make that product and transport it. I also wanted them to have respect for the way food is made...a better sense of appreciation and gratefulness. I also want them to at least have the knowledge to be somewhat self sufficient as well. I hope that make sense..Anyway, I hope that lesson sticks. They're young now but Kiera already "helps" feed and collect eggs.
Those we're my selling points to Hubbs for getting them...lol

In reality, is it cost effective? Probably not. $25 for feed alone, vs paying $12 a month for eggs. But the experience and fun, and even relaxation that they bring to the table (no pun intended

) definitely is worth it.
And now I want to breed too..it's a ways off; we rent our house and don't have the yard space (or regulations) to allow for many birds...but that just gives me more time to learn about them first!

http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4557082881.html

Why do I even go on to craigslist. I have been wanting one of these!!! But I can't do it right now. My hubby would kill me and feed me to my flock! LOL

This is why I can't get an incubator...I would seriously ALWAY have chicks lol

I think this article was written mostly for those who are thinking about keeping chickens because it is trendy and a 'cool' thing to do. (Like Tori Spelling.) The people who buy them clothes and put diapers on them.

I do understand the 'I want to do this to save money' usually ends up costing more. I've been told that back yard eggs are the most expensive eggs you will eat. But when you factor in the side benefits - the fun, fertilizer, pet side - you have eggs that are 'free'.

Ah! Actually...thanks for reminding me! lol
I do want to get a chicken diaper, for any emergencies that involve bringing one in the house (over heating, etc)
I saw a video of a chicken overheating (it ended up passing) and pretty much everyone's advice was to bring it in.
I only have one bath tub...I don't want to scrub chicken poop out of it...lol

But true, really, they're not that expensive, especially compared to other pets. And generally low maintenance.
I think they earn their keep
And you really can't beat the nutrition factor




^That took me forever to finish in between work. Lol!

 

[Ms Jellybean]

"Of course my RIR Roo had to get him some of that French tail"

I really don't think it's as expensive as they make it out to be..I mean...people taking their chickens to the vet are kind of an exception...because even those that would spend a few hundred on a visit, usually have a hard time even finding a vet who would treat them...
Coops don't HAVE to be as expensive as people make them out to be, etc. I mean, doing it purely for eggs alone? Of course it's not worth it, but it's like having a dairy cow just to have some milk.

I buy TN to...lol. About the same price here. It lasts me awhile with only 6 girls...
Yes!
I decided on chickens for a few reasons, and then after chickens they adjusted lol
Originally it was: 1) I thought the eggs would be more nutritious and delicious. I'm a bit of a foodie so that was a selling point. That stayed true
2) I wanted to take baby steps to being a little more self sustainable and grow my knowledge. Haven't tackled the meat bird aspect yet.
3) I wanted my kids to grow up knowing that food doesn't grow on store shelves...it take somebodies time and effort (on top of the animal's or plant's effort) to make that product and transport it. I also wanted them to have respect for the way food is made...a better sense of appreciation and gratefulness. I also want them to at least have the knowledge to be somewhat self sufficient as well. I hope that make sense..Anyway, I hope that lesson sticks. They're young now but Kiera already "helps" feed and collect eggs.
Those we're my selling points to Hubbs for getting them...lol

In reality, is it cost effective? Probably not. $25 for feed alone, vs paying $12 a month for eggs. But the experience and fun, and even relaxation that they bring to the table (no pun intended

) definitely is worth it.
And now I want to breed too..it's a ways off; we rent our house and don't have the yard space (or regulations) to allow for many birds...but that just gives me more time to learn about them first!

This is why I can't get an incubator...I would seriously ALWAY have chicks lol

Ah! Actually...thanks for reminding me! lol
I do want to get a chicken diaper, for any emergencies that involve bringing one in the house (over heating, etc)
I saw a video of a chicken overheating (it ended up passing) and pretty much everyone's advice was to bring it in.
I only have one bath tub...I don't want to scrub chicken poop out of it...lol

But true, really, they're not that expensive, especially compared to other pets. And generally low maintenance.
I think they earn their keep
And you really can't beat the nutrition factor




^That took me forever to finish in between work. Lol!

That (the cow) is a good point and probably what the article is intended to point out. I do think the nutritional gain is something you can't put a price on. I wish the people that I get my eggs from fed better quality food, or FF. the yolks are orangey but not as orange as they could be. Man I can't wait to get my chicks!

If you want to talk about an expensive pet to have lets talk about cats. Their food is really expensive per pound, more expensive than dog food - even when I was paying more per pound for my dog food. My kitties are indoor only so I don't take them to vet after their initial set of shots and the one year booster unless I have to. But if I took them in yearly..... Chickens cost less than cats to keep.

A big dog crate would be a good thing to keep around for chicken emergencies. You can keep them confined in the house and not have messes to clean up. No diapers needed. Out of curiosity...about how many times a day does a chicken poop? I know my parrots seemed to poop all day long. That was with high quality pellet food too. I would think FF would drop the number of times down, not sure though.

 

[Roosting Robin]

I have had an egg-straordinary morning. I have only 1 hen laying, every other day. Since she is only 16 weeks, I figure that is normal. Yesterday was a no egg day, so I was observing today to see which hen and what signs. She went into the coop once by herself but came right out. Next time The roo, Harry, went in with her. They were in there a while, so I peeked. She was in the nest box and he was laying across the entrance of the nest for the longest time. But she came out, no egg. Next time she must have made a sound. Harry ran to the coop, calling loudly so that all the hens and even some babies followed him in, but they all came back out soon, no egg. Later, she went in by herself... Must have made a sound that caused Harry to run and call again. The other 5 followed him in, but they came back out, leaving her to continue sitting. I waited about 10 minutes then saw she was out, so opened the nest to find a little larger egg that was pointed and a little misshapen. I didn't know roosters were involved with the process!

 

[lovingmyhens]

He must have been offering support or advice. Just like a man. Lol

 

[Brookshire11]

That (the cow) is a good point and probably what the article is intended to point out. I do think the nutritional gain is something you can't put a price on. I wish the people that I get my eggs from fed better quality food, or FF. the yolks are orangey but not as orange as they could be. Man I can't wait to get my chicks!

If you want to talk about an expensive pet to have lets talk about cats. Their food is really expensive per pound, more expensive than dog food - even when I was paying more per pound for my dog food. My kitties are indoor only so I don't take them to vet after their initial set of shots and the one year booster unless I have to. But if I took them in yearly..... Chickens cost less than cats to keep.

A big dog crate would be a good thing to keep around for chicken emergencies. You can keep them confined in the house and not have messes to clean up. No diapers needed. Out of curiosity...about how many times a day does a chicken poop? I know my parrots seemed to poop all day long. That was with high quality pellet food too. I would think FF would drop the number of times down, not sure though.

I'll be honest....I DO want a dairy cow..lol EVENTUALLY
But I wouldn't go into it with the expectation of saving money.
I've started some research already...lol
So true about the chickens vs cats. Eira is an indoor/outdoor cat. I'm not super fond of it, but that's what she likes, and at least she does a good job of keep snakes away. I got lucky with her.. $10 to adopt her, including shots, spay, and microchip. But after he initial purchase, we have food, collars (she tends to lose them for obvious reasons, but I hate her going out without at least a collar), any vet bills that may pop up, and flea and tick meds (since she IS outside). Same with the dogs, food, vet visits, and flea meds add up.

The chickens are my cheapest family members for sure

I wanted to kick myself for selling Archer's crate. We needed the money and had too much stuff so I sold a lot of stuff. I didn't see myself needing it again.
Also...I couldn't tell you how often they poop..because I'd lose track, but it's probably close to the parrots...they just pause a moment to do their thing then keep on with their business... then once or twice a day they have those...I forgot what their called..but they're extra icky.

I want to plant some Marigolds for the chickens to eat. Also helps the yolks. Mine are orangey but not super dark.
They free range, eat TN layer crumbles, and get a treat a day (I'm trying to be good about cutting back..I think they were eating too many treats).
The taste is there though...

I have had an egg-straordinary morning. I have only 1 hen laying, every other day. Since she is only 16 weeks, I figure that is normal. Yesterday was a no egg day, so I was observing today to see which hen and what signs. She went into the coop once by herself but came right out. Next time The roo, Harry, went in with her. They were in there a while, so I peeked. She was in the nest box and he was laying across the entrance of the nest for the longest time. But she came out, no egg. Next time she must have made a sound. Harry ran to the coop, calling loudly so that all the hens and even some babies followed him in, but they all came back out soon, no egg. Later, she went in by herself... Must have made a sound that caused Harry to run and call again. The other 5 followed him in, but they came back out, leaving her to continue sitting. I waited about 10 minutes then saw she was out, so opened the nest to find a little larger egg that was pointed and a little misshapen. I didn't know roosters were involved with the process!

How cute!

He must have been offering support or advice. Just like a man. Lol

 

[Ms Jellybean]

I want to try goats someday. Not so much for milk to drink, although I would try it. I've been told I might not be allergic to goat's milk. I want to use the milk to make soaps and cheese to sell. I want sheep for the wool for the same reason. I love to make crafts. I'm sure the income vs cost on that would be a big loss. I can call it a business though and take the deduction on my taxes for several years before they call it a hobby though.

 

[Brookshire11]

I want to try goats someday. Not so much for milk to drink, although I would try it. I've been told I might not be allergic to goat's milk. I want to use the milk to make soaps and cheese to sell. I want sheep for the wool for the same reason. I love to make crafts. I'm sure the income vs cost on that would be a big loss. I can call it a business though and take the deduction on my taxes for several years before they call it a hobby though.

I could sell leftover milk, but it's tricky..because raw milk is so frowned upon. You have to do "cow shares" lol