True cost of starting a backyard flock.

[Cargo]

After studying, planning and drawing up plans for 5 (or more)yrs. We finally started my coop. It took dh and me over 6 months, of doing a little bit here and there, as we could find the time.. The final cost was over $1000.00.. Yes, it was over built and over the top w/ security.. BUT I have not lost one bird to predators in 19months.. I have enough room for 17 standard size birds.. Would I built it like this again? YES but only bigger!! I need more birds.. LOL

Ok. Dixiedoodle now we need some picks of your coop! You have peaked my interest!​

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
I wish you all the luck and happiness with whatever new adventure you choose!

Thank you, Barred! Love your avatar!!!

 

[jafo]

Plywood, planking, two by fours, skrews, two windows, and hardwqare cloth - $650.00
Automatic pop door with timer, drapery motor, pulleys and weights - $85.00
Waterer, waterer heater, feeder, heat lamp - $100.00
Hay, sawdust, oyster shell, grit, crumbles and pellets - $35.00
Exterior fencing, posts, hinges for a run they escape from at will - $125.00
Buff Orpington chicks, 8 of them at $5.00 each, one roo, and 7 hens - $40.00
The look on my wifes face when we got our very first egg,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,PRICELESS!

 

[Cargo]

The look on my wifes face when we got our very first egg,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,PRICELESS!

 

[SuburbanFarmstress]

I think it's worth taking into account any skills you learn or develop while planning for your flock. If someone has never built anything before, but starts out by designing their own coop, the experience could well save them money in the long run. E.g. If someone who's never been 'handy' now finds themselves with the skills (and tools) to make small repairs around the house, rather than paying others to do it for them, that could save quite a bit over the years.

Chicken-keeping seems like a healthy and wholesome hobby, one that involves spending time outside, and using your hands and brain. And investing in your own health and abilities is always worthwhile.

Or at least that is how I will justify the expense of building my first coop.

 

[stcath95]

I have 16 Amerc .hens. (Easter egger)...round up cost at about $1100..all-in-all...{chicks/feed/coup/ misc}....money well spent....Makes my granddaughter happy...that is all I am caring about !!..do it again---OOOHHH yeah !!!......I love this hobby...big breakfast with the famly first dozen eggs !! Can't beat that....Kenny..AND ..the chicks love me !!!

 

[kera!]

WELL I THINK THAT IT COST ABOUT 500 TO 1000 DOLLARS IF YOU START FROM SCRATCH AND DO IT UP NICE..IF YOU GET SECOND HAND STUFF AND CHICKS FROM THE TACK SHOP OR A FRIEND MAYBE 100 BUT IT COST. I WOULD SAY IF YOU AVERAGED IT 600 ..MINE IT COST ABOUT....1500 i HAVE GREAT BIRDS FROM BREEDERS AND MADE IT ALL 1ST CLASS.....

 

[gardeningsis]

several years ago I started my flock? (3 hens) with a used chain link dog pen and a recycled dog house with a door cut in the back for easy acess for me. They were very happy and each passed with old age. Last year when I was at Lowes I found a beautiful black 6 x 10 chain link dog pen that was missing a few bolts marked down to $50.00. I added this onto my existing dog pen and called it our "West Wing". Since we are prone to raccoons we put a metal roof over it (donated when a shed was torn down by my sister) and my husband used recycled lumber (free) to build a lovely house. Overall it is very attractive and my hens are 3 silver laced wyandotte, 1 buff orphington, 1 little blue araucana, 2 little mille fleur and 1 sassy japanese bantam rooster. In the evening when I am out, they are allowed to roam the yard and they are so easy to put back up. So, if you keep an eye open, you can find many of the materials you need for very little cost. They are a constant source of fun to us.

 

[johny]

$3300+ for the Vinyl sided, shinged roofed insulated 8x8 coop which has produced 6 rooster for roasting and about 6-7 eggs per day.

But:
I learned how to build a small building.
I spend memorable moments with my son, who helped me build it.
I have learned how to "do" chickens and so have advanced one more step towards self reliance.

 

[farmer_lew]

One of the reasons we wanted to have chickens was to cut down on the cost of eggs.

These are some of the most expensive eggs ever, but I would not trade our girls for anything! Besides, the fresh eggs we get from our girls are the best tasting eggs I have ever eaten. We don't buy store bought eggs anymore, besides, I don't like the taste of store bought eggs anymore.