BradnerGirl
In the Brooder
Chicks cost around $3 a piece. My husband built a chicken coop that cost more than $2000! The chicks may be cheap but if your husband over engineers your coop it can get expensive!
I have kept chickens for about 10 years but still surprised by how much I have to learn. With a little more time on my hands and hoping to apply for tax break by obtaining farm status, we are currently building a second smaller chicken house. I've had to remind my husband several times...honey, it's a chicken house. Wired with auto door opener, light dimmer, 2 outlets for brooder light (for our cooler Canadian winter) and fully insulated, also will have a pendant light hanging from the front porch overhang. Some supplies were salvaged from other project leftovers, it's not finished yet but we are over $1,500 into it, That's not including fencing or gate still to be purchased and installed. It's a good thing we all like those fresh eggs and enjoy having the chickens around.
...and I should add, I've already got a third dwelling arriving this week. The price was right so I couldn't say no. Except for the price of MORE fencing and ANOTHER gate. At least using chicken math I will be able to accommodate them and hopefully bring in some $$ selling eggs. Picture is of our current project. It will look like a Southern Colonial with 4 columns.