Technically, the egg I’m holding in the photo above cost me $2,000. No, this isn’t a Wonka egg (sorry, Veruca Salt). I totaled up what I’ve spent to start my little chicken egg adventure. Taking into consideration the initial brooding setup with heating lights, food, coop, and run, plus miscellaneous items like electrolyte powder for their water (to help them in extreme heat) and all my time and attention, I came up with $2,000.
I knew what I was getting into. I didn’t necessarily want to raise egg-layers to try to save money. It doesn’t work that way. Chickens cost money; they don’t save it. I was – and am – interested in eating healthy and knowing the source of my food. That’s one of the reasons I grow veggies. The closer to home it grows, the healthier it should be.
The first egg (the white one at left) is about half the size of a regular egg, which is normal. She should lay again in the next few days, and hopefully her flock-mates will take the hint and start laying their own.
The older two are about 18 weeks or so, the younger is probably about two weeks behind. And these are leghorns, so at their peak, they should be able to lay an egg a day. With luck, I won’t have to buy eggs again for a couple of years. Fingers crossed!
I’m thrilled that I finally got my first egg. Sure, the hen did most of the work. Or at least the hardest part, but I still feel like I contributed!
RB
So many people get into this adventure for the “free eggs” and I just shake my head. Getting into it for the reasons you listed is the best mindset to have. I wish you and your flock many productive days together! 💞💞💞
The fresh eggs are just a byproduct of raising chickens. I’ve learned so much about them and love that they have personalities.
Thanks for the well-wishes!
Congratulations on your eggs. I’m chicken-phobic, but glad for those that aren’t. May the force remain strong with you.
Apologies for the late reply, Devonne. I appreciate the encouragement! 🙂
Congratulations rich. How exciting. I want chooks too.
I appreciate it! Be careful, they’ll easily become pets! 🙂
I have so many stories about people coming in to buy chicks at the Tractor Supply. One could write a book!
I raised chickens for years and enjoyed having them as pets. Eggs were a fun bonus. One tip: hard-boiling fresh eggs can be a pain. Steam them instead and the shell falls right off. Cool eggs over tap water, heating up together, for about seven minutes. Let cool on the counter. Perfect! Good luck with your girls!
Good tip on trying to hard-boil fresh eggs. I’ll give that a try once I get a steady supply. Thanks for that.
And maybe you should write that book!
You can’t beat a poached egg 🥚🥚🥚
I agree with you 100%, mate! Don’t forget the toast and bacon!
I raised a flock of 30 rhode island red egg layers for 10 or more years. When my 8 year old daughter wanted to take over the operation, she earned the money from the egg sales. She offered the eggs for the household for free. I told her that was a very astute decision because I was purchasing the feed. If she wanted me to buy the household eggs I would have changed by terms and have her by the feed.
She intuitively knew, “Don’t mess with (bite) the hand that feeds you.
That’s awesome, Jasper! I didn’t realize how addicting it can be. I’m already considering expanding my coop and run so I can get a few more hens. It’s an enjoyable experience.
And you have a very wise daughter!
We ended the project when coyotes became bold enough to come into our yard in broad daylight. We had foxes show up occasionally, but they would only take one hen if they were successful. One day, we came home, and 28 hens had been killed. Four hens managed to survive. One survived by hiding between the dead hens.
Aww, that means that chicks are all grown up now 🥹
I am all for this type of healthy eating!
Unfortunately, I don’t have a garden to grow my own food, but I make sure to make at least 90% of my meals from scratch. I’d like to know what goes into my food.
Are there any opportunities to sell the eggs? I am sure a lot of people would like free range home grown ones.
Yes, my little ones are actually mature now…it felt like it was taking a long time, but now it feels like it flew by.
And we have several local farmer’s markets each week here in town, so if I end up with a surplus I can sell them off. Or give them as gifts. Or maybe even payment! 😂
I think I’ll do a chicken drawing based on this story 😄
LOL! I’m flattered, Andrea!
Fun post, Richard. Are you the only rooster in that hen house?🐓🐓🐓
I am, Pat. I live with three hens, two female dogs, and my spouse. The odds are not in my favor. 😉
Poor thing. You are vastly out numbered.
That’s amazing Richard. I would love to do that one too. Your future eggs will be much cheaper 😜
All the rest are free unless they are not being free ranged.
Thanks, mate! Here’s hoping!