FatherFalcon
Songster
"Two Eggs with Toast...!Yesterday$, Today$, {Tomorrow...?$?}"
When I sit down at home for breakfast each morning, it's hard not to think about how much the cost of a simple meal has risen over time. Eggs, toast, milk, and coffee—staples that many of us take for granted—have become a significant part of our daily expenses.
I started thinking about a time when sitting in awe at a diner looking at my receipt. With prices greeding, a simple meal at a local diner or cafe can easily set you back $20 or more, including tax and tip.
For what? A couple of eggs, some toast, a glass of milk, and a coffee.
I realized the expense it would have on my budget, especially if I ate out every day for breakfast in San Diego.
Now, I considered my little silkie chickens that I currently have—yes, those cute, fluffy little birds—and how much they’ve been saving me.
The investment in the hatching chicken process, their feed, and a bit of upfront setup has slowly started paying off in the form of homegrown eggs, which are a constant source of fresh protein for breakfast. When you break it down, the cost of eggs at the store is pretty high. A dozen eggs in San Diego can cost upwards of $4 to $5, (even 15$) depending on the quality and where you shop.
The math:
A gallon of milk in San Diego can run about $5.00, depending on the brand and where you buy it.
If you were to make coffee at home, you might spend around $0.25 per cup, depending on the type of beans and how much you brew.
Take the total ~ cost for a home meal:
So, in total, this meal at home (not factoring in the initial setup for chickens) might cost around ~$1.35 per serving—way cheaper than eating out!
But... here's the kicker: when I first got my chickens, I had to account for the upfront cost of setting up their coop, buying feed, and all the little accessories. All in all, I’d estimate the start-up cost was about $200 for everything. After a few months, the savings began to lean positive as my chickens provided me with fresh eggs ~daily. Now, the cost of my breakfast is practically free (aside from feed costs), and I don't have to drive out to a restaurant, be in line or even in large gatherings...
The break-even point:
After about 6-7 months, the initial investment in my chickens started paying off. The amount I was saving on eggs and breakfast items from the store surpassed what I’d spent on the setup. In my mind, I'm saving 20$ a day!
From that point on, it was all joy.(and "Farmer's Gold" lol)
When I sit down at home for breakfast each morning, it's hard not to think about how much the cost of a simple meal has risen over time. Eggs, toast, milk, and coffee—staples that many of us take for granted—have become a significant part of our daily expenses.
I started thinking about a time when sitting in awe at a diner looking at my receipt. With prices greeding, a simple meal at a local diner or cafe can easily set you back $20 or more, including tax and tip.
For what? A couple of eggs, some toast, a glass of milk, and a coffee.
I realized the expense it would have on my budget, especially if I ate out every day for breakfast in San Diego.
Now, I considered my little silkie chickens that I currently have—yes, those cute, fluffy little birds—and how much they’ve been saving me.
The investment in the hatching chicken process, their feed, and a bit of upfront setup has slowly started paying off in the form of homegrown eggs, which are a constant source of fresh protein for breakfast. When you break it down, the cost of eggs at the store is pretty high. A dozen eggs in San Diego can cost upwards of $4 to $5, (even 15$) depending on the quality and where you shop.
The math:
A gallon of milk in San Diego can run about $5.00, depending on the brand and where you buy it.
If you were to make coffee at home, you might spend around $0.25 per cup, depending on the type of beans and how much you brew.
Take the total ~ cost for a home meal:
- Eggs: $4.50 for a dozen (about $0.38 per egg)
- Milk: $0.42 for a glass
- Coffee: $0.25 for a cup
- Toast: A couple of slices of bread might cost $0.30
So, in total, this meal at home (not factoring in the initial setup for chickens) might cost around ~$1.35 per serving—way cheaper than eating out!
But... here's the kicker: when I first got my chickens, I had to account for the upfront cost of setting up their coop, buying feed, and all the little accessories. All in all, I’d estimate the start-up cost was about $200 for everything. After a few months, the savings began to lean positive as my chickens provided me with fresh eggs ~daily. Now, the cost of my breakfast is practically free (aside from feed costs), and I don't have to drive out to a restaurant, be in line or even in large gatherings...
The break-even point:
After about 6-7 months, the initial investment in my chickens started paying off. The amount I was saving on eggs and breakfast items from the store surpassed what I’d spent on the setup. In my mind, I'm saving 20$ a day!
From that point on, it was all joy.(and "Farmer's Gold" lol)
Last edited:
