Yes, eggs there are much more expensive, but so is everything else. I definitely could buy eggs cheaper and think most hobby keepers don’t make money on their chickens; however, the chickens themselves make up for the $ deficit because we love them, yes, even those of us who slaughter some from time to time.
I live way out so I don’t have to worry about neighbors, but I will say, aside from the cockerels I have, my girls can ‘raise the roof’ with the noise they make. I don’t think I could even begin to hide them if I wanted to. And you are correct about things smoothing out after a bit. I am only 2 1/2 years into keeping them and have already learned more efficient and less expensive ways of keeping them. But, it is a labor of love. Nothing pays you for their upkeep, unless you have a huge operation I suppose.
I was able to make the first trip to Oahu with my DH on a business trip in 2003. Some parts were stunning (and extremely interesting), but then others parts were very depressing. I couldn’t imagine living like some I saw, knowing how expensive it was for them. And because of that expense, there would be no play for me. I guess it’s a trade off for some that live there. However, I must say that we did like it enough to then take our boys back, and a tag a long girlfriend, for my oldest son’s high school graduation trip in 2004. Luckily, I have seen Pearl Harbor twice,and loved it; went to two luaus, the North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center and the pineapple plantation. I rate all of it a 10++! BTW, I loved all the farmland up around the north end of the island. I am not crazy about the windward side’s cloudiness and rain though, but I do love it’s lushness. I started to say one day my DH and I would love to visit Maui, but I’ll have to teach my son how to properly care for my chickens while away. After all, I do care for his horses when he’s away...but that’s just expected, if you know what I mean.
It has been wonderful chatting with you and learning more about my “cuz’s.”I wish you and your Tropical Babies all the best.
I'm grateful my son, usually gleefully after reminder calls, steps in and up to help feed and care for our small farm (cats, dogs, horses, chickens, garden). but i know what you mean... not to be snotty BUT, he won't help me personally for nothing. My head could be stuck in a jar and he would be too busy to help get it out. Ugh!
What do you folks pay for feed and eggs? I'm a little afraid to ask because I may cry.

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