So, my hubby asks "Are U going to make any $$ with these chickens, or ...."

So. That is a good question. Can I make money with chickens and what is the best way?

Hate to say this, but the answer would be no. I went at it big time, and this time of year, make some money selling chicks and eggs, but in reality all that money should go towards feed, bedding, power, labour, cost of bringing birds in from the States or Eastern Canada. Oh but I love it, and I am addicted and this is really supposed to be a hobby for me, but has turned into a full time job.

I would say that the most likly way to make money would be to become a seller .Order in chicks that you think will sell , at a good price that is , and then sell them at a marked up price ? The only other way would be with eggs , for eating or for hatching , but again for hatching you would need very good stock that would appeal to the buyer .I just like chickens and it's my own personal goal to have certain breeds

I see this as a hobby, sales can help pay for a bag of feed, but that is it. It still costs money. To try and make money, the whole fun part would disappear in a hurry.
So if one can't leave it being a hobby, you might as well quit altogether.

Piet

I agree with everyone so far. Unfortunately my husband asked the same question 2 years ago, I spent last year trying to make more money than Ive spent and lost all the joy in it. And never made any money back...so just keep it fun for you and forget about making enough money to consider it profitable. You have to put A LOT of time and effort and money into it if you want to make something out of it. Just enjoy it instead

Jaclyn

What is it husbands and the money thing? Mine asks the same questions, but seems happy enough if the eggs I sell can cover the feed costs. I started really keeping track of that is September and so far I have put more money in my jar than I have taken out. I just tell him this is my hobby and everyone needs a hobby or we'd all just sit in front of the TV and get fat!

Oh it isn't just husband's. My dad is a regular "What money can you make from _______?" Doesn't matter what every it is I do or collect, it is always the first thing he asks me. It's also one of the reasons I never see eye to eye with him cause I don't attached a $ to everything I do. But I digress.
Thankfully, my husband doesn't think that way.

Well which Hobby do you make money with that gives you enjoyment ?? Golf ??, Hockey ,Football ???? Would seem to me that everything cost money ( some more then others ) My chickens pay for there feed and then some , I get fresh eggs for me and my family ( motherinlaw included ) and I get to admire them everyday ? what more do you want ??

Great topic, how many husbands smoke, have a few drinks, etc etc? ooopss did I just write that!!
Maybe buy some meat birds, cheep cheep, then feed them your own grain and sell them for 3 or 4 bucks a pound.
oh yeah, the labour, the cost of butchering, etc etc, might maybe make a few dollars, but don't count your time for anything.
oh my I just love chickens.
And so many said it, it is a hobby and nothing better than,( if you have any time ), watching a mamma hen and her chicks.

I think everyone here has said most of what is to be said, so let's summarize....
- You probably aren't go to make much money, if any
- For many it is a hobby, a hobby much cheaper that golf, fishing, flat screens and cable TV, <fill in hobby here>
- You can get rid of compost efficiently
- You know where your eggs and meat are coming from
- Yes, free run eggs are better for you, check the recent studies
- I'm sure there is probably a study about watching chickens and lowering blood pressure, just like other relaxing hobbies
- It's a great way to meet like-minded people, and the people here and elsewhere are fantastic!

I'm sure others could add a few items to the list but there is another angle that hasn't been mentioned. A fellow I work with has about 5 acres within town boundaries. He raises birds to sell as meat, just enough to qualify him for a farm license in BC for his size of property. Now, he probably breaks even or loses a few hundred bucks and year, not counting his labour. However, it saves him $4,000 a year on property taxes. Yes, that's a 4 with 3 zeros. He doesn't make money, but he sure saves a lot.

My hubby says the same thing about my sons chickens. It is expensive but this year he'll have more large fowl so as long as my son can sell enough eggs to buy half the feed hubby will be be quiet and enjoy his eggs!! I think it's a fantastic hobby for kids especially as he's learning about responsibility, caring for something, also learning about money and he's outside doing it!!! It's a great pride for him to show off his coop and just sit and watch his birds. I always know where to find him
I agree that few hobbies truly pay but at least with poultry they help with the costs by laying and some by feeding us. My father will spend $11 for every lotto draw and get excited about winning $10 bucks! I'd consider that a loss but not him.... My hubby is kind of the same he doesn't take into consideration the bedding etc as long as he sees my son selling and adding egg money to his bag. $30wk in feed but as long as my son sells $14 in eggs and theres eggs in the fridge he thinks we're doing good! I don't understand the logic but it works for me I want to expand my secure area for my waterfowl for the winter so I'm selling enough eggs and ducklings to buy the fencing and then hubby's happy and I'll get a lovely new safe place for my quackers and honkers this winter

Wow very good question my husband Gary and I Kathy after 2 yrs. of research and discussion decided to raise chickens for ourselves, family and friends so that we know where our meat is coming from (my husband says I don't want anyone fooling with my food) and to have fresh eggs. Also we really want to keep these heritage breeds alive and well. Plus the idea of having these little wonderful creatures running around our acreage and helping to keep the pests out of our garden just makes us happy. CHICKENS = HAPPYNESS

What we sell covers the feed, electrical, and other costs so we break even there, barely lol. Then I figure in the cost of store bought eggs and meat that we no longer have to pay out. So when working out costs versus profit it's not just what we sell but also what we save that is considered. And the way my family eats meat we are way ahead of the game with my "little hobby"

I agree with all what's already written.
One thing to add, I show my husband always how much $$ I got, not the feed bill, cost of waterers, cost of feeders, some hen scratch, oystershells, etc

I know one way that chickens / poultry really pays for itself: stress relief. Have a bad day and you feel like you're about ready to pop, just grab a favourite beverage, sit down and watch you chickens just be themselves.
Beats paying $$$ you would for a shrink.

Anna wrote:I agree with all what's already written.
One thing to add, I show my husband always how much $$ I got, not the feed bill, cost of waterers, cost of feeders, some hen scratch, oystershells, etc

Smart thinking What they don't know won't hurt them!

Although he more than likely puts two and two together and deep down know there's a bit more $$ going out than in, but decide it's really not work the feedback he'd get it anything was mentioned

ARS800, I was going to write the same thing. I had a bunch of laying hens and a good customer base so never wasted any eggs. The bonus that made it worthwhile was that I had farm status for a few years and my property taxes were 1/3 what they would have been without.

So yes, if that's an option, I'd look into it as a way to stay in the black.

Cheers,
Farmchiq

Yes, this chicken addiction may not make us financially weathy, but the rewards are far-reaching! It is hard to put a price on the peace of mind you get in knowing you are providing your family the best wholesome eggs and/or home-raised meat there is. Not to mention all the enjoyment that comes from caring for and watching the antics of these wonderful creatures.

And then there is the challenging and very rewarding aspects of showing your poultry and striving to improve your chosen breed.

I was also feeling a bit pressured about the money end of things. I felt I had to justify keeping my chickens by trying to make them pay for themselves. But then I was worried that if my main focus switches to making a profit, some of the enjoyment is bound to be lost. Maybe it is enough to keep this as an excellent hobby and any money I can recoup to help pay for feed etc is just a bonus.

Funny how hubbies are always concerned with what 'we' do.

Mine said roughly the same thing this weekend....

I'm still waiting for the other option.

"Are U going to make any $$ with these chickens, or ...."

... are you going to get more chickens?

... are you going to get those turkeys you've had your eye on?

... should I get a second job so you can have more chickens?



You can always offer to take up skiing or golf instead. Let him see the cost of equipment, seasonal passes, travel etc. Then the chickens won't seem like such a financial burden.