How much does it cost to raise chickens
There are some costs involved with raising chickens which to begin with will make the cost per egg more than purchasing eggs from a store but in the long run you should see savings by producing your own eggs. Of course chickens make great pets even if you are not interested in egg production.
Costs involved with keeping your own chickens:
Baby chicks
Laying hens usually cost between $2-$5 dollars depending on which breed you decide on getting. While the accuracy in sexing young chickens is fairly accurate you may end up with a rooster so it is best to buy a few.
Brooding enclosure
While your chickens are young the best and easiest place to keep them is in a large cardboard box. you may already have a suitable box if not they can be purchased fairly cheaply from a packing supplies store. The box should be lined with straw to provide the chickens with some shelter and warmth. Straw should be changed regularly and can be purchased from pet stores for around $10-$15 a bundle.
Heat lamp
Depending on the climate you live in it may be necessary to provide your young chickens with additional warmth by using a heat lamp. Heat lamps are essentially large light bulbs that omit heat, they can be purchased for around $10. Be sure not to place the heat lamp to close to the straw in your brooding box as this presents a fire hazard.
Waterer and chick feed
You should provide baby chicks with a drip feed waterer, these cost between $5-$10. Chicks up until the age of around 2 months should also be fed a specialist chick feed, this will set you back between $10-$15.
Chicken coop
The chicken coop will be your largest expense. You may be lucky enough to have an old shed that can be turned into a coop but if not you will either have to build your own or buy a pre-made coop. Pre-made coops can cost anywhere between $200-$2000 so be sure to shop around or keep an eye out for second hand coops in your local classifieds. You can save a lot of money by building your own coop. Costs in building your own coop with involve timber, chicken wire and nails and vary in costs depending on the size required.
Feeding your chickens
Chickens can be fed kitchen scraps but they should there diet should also include chicken feed as well as nutritional supplements. A year supply of these will set you back around $50.