What does a dozen eggs REALLY cost to produce?

[BacktoBasicsGal]

I wanted to have an idea of what it costs us to have fresh eggs; I just think it is a prudent to know such things. It is irrelevant in my situation, as is yours, because we don't sell eggs. I just felt compelled to sit down and figure it out at that moment because of what happened - and yes, I was ticked because of how this person did not take no for an answer and I gave in; shame on me, I knew better.

If I sold eggs, it would have been a very different scenario. Anyway, I am glad to know an approximation of what a dozen of my girl's eggs actually cost to produce. I think most folks just figure feed costs and are happy to get that paid - to each his own as they say. I am just happy my girls are healthy, they are happy and they give us those beautiful, tasty golden eggs we are so blessed to be able to enjoy, whatever they cost!

 

[BacktoBasicsGal]

You are so right & I knew better too. As they say, shame on me. Believe me, it will never happen again!

 

[Jesusfreak101]

I am sorry they treated you that way reqardless of the cost no one should act that way.

 

[trailrider330]

I use to charge $2 per dozen for free-range eggs that I delivered to people at work. This fall I increased my price to $3 per dozen, explaining that there are expenses with chickens and that most people in our area charge at least $3 per dozen for eggs that aren't even delivered. But, now that I have raised my price, I have lost half of my customers. My eggs are worth more than that. Even at $3 per dozen, it still makes for one cheap meal and everyone always raved about how good they were. If they can't seem to realize that my eggs are worth at least $3 per dozen, then my family of 5 will just eat more eggs.

 

[Jesusfreak101]

I dont know what most charge in my area honestly but i know that for a gallon of unpasteurized milk (which a cow produces 12 gallons a day mind you) is 8.00 a gallon which i think is kinda nuts. I been looking in to getting a cow simple for milk and having some for meat.

 

[BacktoBasicsGal]

I am just a hop and a skip away from Brighton down 96. That area doesn't have much open land/farms left either. Land costs are high as are property taxes but I'd be willing to bet not as high as Cali's are. And yes, I was really honked off not only at that person but more so at myself. I caved. I don't want or need to sell eggs that isn't why I have them. I have them for my family and I give them to two single elderly ladies to enjoy. Any "extra's" we simply have a breakfast casserole, make a quiche or creme brulee - (Yum!) I knew in advance I should not have anything to do with this person if it involves money - they are a friends of a family member, not mine. That being said, again, shame on me.

If I were going to sell eggs, I would have to own a lot more chickens - My girls are pets that happen to give me those wonderful golden eggs in return for me providing them food, fresh water, a nice coop, area to eat and forage in,and protect them from predators. I think I get the better end of the deal honestly.

Anyway, it was good to "vent"; periodically I do something dumb that will waste some of my time I was allotted here on earth but I quickly recover and forge on! LOL No more wasting time on the jerks that to walk the earth....

Take Care

 

[BacktoBasicsGal]

Thank you. Some folks are just not well behaved....

 

[Jesusfreak101]

Lol dont feel bad i think most of us do, last night coyotes came around and my hens have decide my husband new (really old broken down rusty) box trailer(he says he going to fix up at some point) was the best place to sleep instead of their coop. Well last night (30weeks pregnant i have a huge stomach right now) i was putting the girls up and one found away to the very top (trailer unbalanced thanks to his stacking wood on one end so its tilted(after it fell last week and possible the reason a hen hurt)) i decide it was a dumb ideal but limited choices i climbed up it to get said hen and cut my foot on the wheel well so not only rust to worry about but an amazing amount of chicken poo. Not my best moment for sure today i was smart i decide to try to level the trailer so i could reach her from the ground and it worked lol.

 

[MeepBeep]

I read this post earlier as I was on the way out the door, so I snapped a few pictures at the store tonight to go along with this reply...

I dont know what most charge in my area honestly but i know that for a gallon of unpasteurized milk (which a cow produces 12 gallons a day mind you) is 8.00 a gallon which i think is kinda nuts. I been looking in to getting a cow simple for milk and having some for meat.

That seems very reasonable to me for 'farm fresh milk' as local premium brand milk at the grocery store is the same price...

Note these are half gallon glass deposit required bottles, so $7.98/gallon regular price...

As for eggs I charge $5/dozen and will knock off 50 cents if they exchange an egg carton so normally $4.50/dozen...

And when I have had people complain about the price, I explain that I am not trying or even considering competing against Walmart, if the price is too high clearly my eggs are not for them and they are welcome to go to the grocery store and get their 'cheaper' eggs...

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Someone on a similar thread said that she created a nice lable for her egg cartons and that helped her charge a bit of a premium for her eggs. There are a number of sevices that sell these lables.