by Louise Mayfield
In recent years, the trend of keeping backyard chickens has gained popularity among both city and suburban dwellers. The idea of having a small flock of hens clucking away in the backyard, providing a steady supply of fresh eggs, and contributing to a sustainable lifestyle is appealing to many. However, the question remains: Are backyard chickens truly worth the cost? Let’s examine the various aspects of keeping backyard chickens, including initial setup costs, ongoing expenses, potential savings, and the intangible benefits that come with raising these feathered friends.
Initial Setup Costs
The first step in assessing the worth of backyard chickens is understanding the initial setup costs. These expenses can vary widely depending on factors such as the number of chickens, the type of coop, and additional equipment.
1. Coop and Run: One of the most significant upfront investments is the chicken coop and run. A pre-made coop can range from $200 to $1000 or more, depending on the size, materials, and features. For those who are handy, building a DIY coop can reduce costs but still requires an investment in materials, which can range from $100 to $500.
2. Chickens: The cost of the chickens themselves is relatively low. Chicks can be purchased for $3 to $10 each, while pullets (young hens ready to lay) can cost between $15 and $25 each. The number of chickens you start with will influence your overall initial cost.
3. Feeders and Waterers: Proper feeders and waterers are essential to keep your chickens healthy and hydrated. These items can cost between $20 and $50 each, depending on the size and material. If you are handy, you can make your own at a lesser cost.
4. Bedding and Nesting Material: Chickens require bedding for their coop, such as straw or wood shavings, which costs around $10 to $20 per bale. Nesting boxes also need material to keep the eggs clean and provide comfort for the hens. Pine needles make good nesting material for FREE.
5. Miscellaneous Supplies: Other initial costs include heat lamps for chicks, fencing to protect the run, and potential health supplies such as vitamins and medications. These can add another $50 to $100 to your initial investment.
In total, the initial setup costs for a small backyard flock of 4 to 6 chickens can range from $400 to $1500, depending on whether you opt for DIY solutions or purchase pre-made equipment.
Ongoing Expenses
Once the initial setup is complete, there are ongoing expenses to consider in maintaining a healthy and productive flock.
1. Feed: Chickens require a balanced diet to lay eggs consistently. Commercial layer feed costs around $15 to $25 for a 50-pound bag, which typically lasts a small flock of 4 to 6 chickens about a month. Additionally, many chicken owners supplement their flock’s diet with kitchen scraps and garden waste, which can help reduce feed costs.
2. Bedding: Regularly replacing bedding in the coop is necessary to maintain cleanliness and prevent disease. Depending on the type of bedding used, this can cost $10 to $20 per month.
3. Health Care: Chickens require occasional health care, including deworming, and treatment for parasites. These costs can vary but typically range from $10 to $50 per year.
4. Miscellaneous Supplies: Ongoing maintenance of the coop and run, including repairs and replacements, can add to the overall cost. Budgeting $100 to $200 per year for these expenses is reasonable.
On average, the monthly cost of maintaining a small backyard flock can range from $30 to $60, amounting to approximately $360 to $720 annually.
Potential Savings
One of the main reasons people decide to keep backyard chickens is the potential savings on eggs. To determine if backyard chickens are worth the cost, it’s essential to compare the expenses to the value of the eggs produced.
1. Egg Production: A healthy hen typically lays about 250 to 300 eggs per year. For a small flock of 4 to 6 hens, this translates to somewhere between 1000 and 1800 eggs annually.
2. Cost of Store-Bought Eggs: The cost of eggs varies by location and whether you purchase conventional or organic eggs. On average, a dozen conventional eggs cost around $1.50 to $2.50, while organic eggs can range from $3 to $6 per dozen. For the sake of comparison, let’s use an average cost of $3 per dozen for high-quality eggs.
3. Value of Homegrown Eggs: If your hens produce 1000 to 1800 eggs annually, this equates to approximately 83 to 150 dozen eggs. At $3 per dozen, the value of these eggs ranges from $249 to $450 per year.
Based on these calculations, the value of the eggs produced by a small backyard flock can potentially offset the ongoing expenses, especially if you typically purchase higher-quality eggs.
Intangible Benefits
While the financial aspects of keeping backyard chickens are essential, it’s also crucial to consider the intangible benefits that come with raising chickens.
1. Freshness and Quality: Homegrown eggs are often fresher and of higher quality than store-bought eggs. Many chicken owners report that their eggs have much richer yolks and better flavor.
2. Sustainability: Raising backyard chickens contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. When there are no eggs on the grocer’s shelf, it doesn’t effect the hen owner. Chickens can help reduce kitchen waste by eating scraps, and their manure can be composted to enrich garden soil.
3. Educational Value: Keeping chickens can be a valuable educational experience for families, teaching children about responsibility, animal care, and where their food comes from.
4. Stress Relief and Companionship: Many chicken owners find that spending time with their flock provides stress relief and a sense of companionship. Chickens have unique personalities and can be quite entertaining to watch.
5. Community Building: Raising chickens can foster a sense of community. Chicken owners often share hatching eggs, advice, and stories with friends, neighbors and fellow chicken enthusiasts.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the many benefits, there are also challenges and considerations to keep in mind when deciding if backyard chickens are worth the cost.
1. Time and Effort: Keeping chickens requires daily care, including feeding, watering, and cleaning the coop. While the time commitment is not extensive, it is consistent and should not be underestimated.
2. Predators and Pests: Chickens are vulnerable to predators such as raccoons, foxes, snakes, and hawks. Protecting your flock requires secure housing and vigilance. Additionally, chickens can attract pests like rats and mites, which require management.
3. Local Regulations: Before getting chickens, it’s essential to check local regulations and zoning laws. Some urban areas have restrictions on the number of chickens you can keep or prohibit roosters due to noise concerns.
4. Vacation and Travel: Owning chickens can complicate vacation plans, as they require daily care. Arranging for someone to look after your flock while you’re away is necessary.
Whether or not backyard chickens are worth the cost depends on individual circumstances and priorities. The initial setup and ongoing expenses can add up, but the potential savings on eggs, along with the intangible benefits of freshness, sustainability, education, and companionship, can make raising chickens a rewarding experience.
For those who value fresh, high-quality eggs and enjoy the idea of a more sustainable lifestyle, backyard chickens can be a worthwhile investment. However, it’s essential to be prepared for the time, effort, and challenges involved in keeping a healthy and productive flock. By carefully considering both the costs and benefits, you can make an informed decision about whether backyard chickens are the right choice for you.
