Is chickens actually cheaper than buying eggs? Chicken keeper weighs

• It is not immediately cheap to lift chickens because there are various advance costs, such as buying chickens and equipment.
• There are some factor sizes, materials, labor and maintenance to consider before the construction of chicken coop.
• To save money, do research on various breeds, buy secondhand coops, and convert existing structures into cops.

Since egg prices continue to rise across the country, more people are questioning whether it is cheaper to save money to increase chickens. This idea is increasing in popularity: A 2024 study has shown that 13% of Americans currently increase chickens in their backyard, average of five chickens per house. For many people, the idea of ​​stepping out of the backyard and grabbing fresh eggs is more attractive than buying from the store, but will it save you money?

We talked to Pro Chicken Keepers what you should know if you are considering increasing chickens to save money on eggs.

Is chickens actually cheaper than buying eggs?

The brief answer is, no, it is not automatically cheap to increase chickens than buying eggs, especially given adequate advance costs. However, according to Lisa Steel, after the initial startup cost, after increasing the museing, the founder of fresh eggs, daily, enhancing chickens Be able to do Be more economical in the long run, especially if egg prices keep rising.

If your goal is to save money fast, then increasing chickens will not move immediately. Startup costs of buying chicken, construction of chicken coops and purchasing equipment can quickly add and spend thousands of dollars to thousands of dollars.

Additionally, chickens do not start laying eggs until they become 6 months old, meaning that young girls will not get immediate egg results. According to Alum Miller, the owner of the Hen House Collection, you will take time before saving money.

“If you are strictly calculated, it may take up to two years to break it, assuming that you are at a price of more than $ 4 a dozen instead of the store-bound eggs,” Miller says.

However, Miller says that the price of eggs is not the only reason to decide whether chickens have to be raised.

“Raising chickens … (is) a mixture of objectives, process, craftsmanship, and satisfaction of looking at the consequences for investment,” Miller says. “So when it comes whether it is beneficial, I will always return before drilling the number in this statement.”

While the value is definitely a factor, Miller says it is worth noting that other benefits exist, such as the nutritious value of fresh eggs on those purchased at the grocery store. It is also worth remembering that chickens require maintenance and maintenance, so determine whether you have time and desire to handle this part of the procedure.

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Cost to consider while constructing chicken copy

The two experts agree that the exact cost of the chicken coop varies widely and depends on many factors. Size, material, and whether you choose to build or buy already assembled options, all affect the overall value.

Here is the breakdown of some costs of construction of chicken coop:

• size: The size of your chicken coop will make a difference in the price. Choosing for a small option, such as A-frame, can cost approximately $ 300. However, the cost of large coops like walk-in can cost between $ 650-$ 1000.
• Material: If you decide to create a coop yourself, the content you have chosen will affect the value. Wood and Plywood The most common options for frames and floor coops are: Softwood can priced between $ 2- $ 3 per foot, while plywood costs $ 10- $ 15 per sheet. If you see in corrugated metal or plastic, prices rise, the metal costs $ 15- $ 20 per sheet and plastic cost between $ 25- $ 30.
• Labor: If you appoint someone to build or collect your coop, you should also be a factor in these costs. Hire an apprentice Collect a copy kit The cost can be between $ 50 and $ 150 per hour. Hiring a carpenter is a better condition if You are constructing from scratchesBut it will be close to $ 1,000.

What to keep in mind when constructing chicken copy

Steel explains how chicken coops have two objectives: a place for chickens to lay their eggs and to sleep safely at night, where they are protected against predators. While creating a coop, she says that it should be:

• 2 to 3 square feet of flooring replace
• 1 nest boxes for every 2 to 3 chickens
• Minimum 8 inch per bird roasting bar

Additionally, you would like to consider these factors:

• space: The amount of space available to you is important. While a small cop can fit into a small area, your chickens will need to be able to get out and move, so they are not always in the cop. Additionally, you should consider the construction of a small quarantine coop for sick birds, so make sure you have a lot of space, even if you only want to lift some chickens.
• Ventilation: Steel recommends including windows that can open your coop from being properly ventilated and closed. She also says that to cover the windows with welded wire or 1/2 of small gauge to keep small predators out.
• Hunter protection: A lot of hunters can attack your chicken coop, so make sure you have hunter-proof locks on the door, covering on the windows, and that the construction of your copy cannot be easily infiltrated.

Ways to save money increase chickens

While there are significant costs to consider, Steel explains some ways to potentially save money.

• Use kitchen scrap for feed: Steel says that feed is one of the largest ongoing costs, but you can reduce it by kitchen and using it. Garden scrapsYou can also allow chickens to complement your diet free-ranges on grass and insects and chickens for kooting (just make sure that they always have food).
• Look in chicken breeds: When you want to choose quality chickens, you do not need designer breeds to produce great eggs. Choosing for the breeds known for your production, such as Australpa, forbidden Rock, Delaware, Legorne, Maran, Road Island, West, Red Star, or Comeka, are great options to consider.
• Buy a cop second-hand: Steels say that you can potentially find coops for online sale, such as Facebook Marketplace, which can reduce the cost of buying a brand or building a new itself.
• Change an existing structure: If you have a structure that you are not using anymore, such as children’s playhouse or old shade, you can turn it into a copy with some modifications.