The True Cost Of Raising Chickens

Raising chickens can be a rewarding, therapeutic, and fun experience, but it requires a lot of resources. Before getting started, it's important to consider factors such as budget, local regulations, space requirements, and your level of comfort with handling animals and daily care routines. Chickens need a safe and spacious coop, daily feed and water, nesting boxes, and protection from predators and the weather. They also require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure their health and sanitation. The number of chickens you raise will depend on your available space and the scale of your operation. While chickens can provide food and entertainment, they also demand ongoing commitment and attention to planning and detail.

Space and housing

The amount of space required depends on the breed of chicken. As a general guideline, the University of Missouri Extension recommends that a medium-sized chicken needs a minimum of 3 square feet of indoor space and 8 to 10 square feet of outdoor space. Providing more space contributes to the chickens' overall health and happiness, as overcrowding can lead to disease and feather-picking issues. Chickens need an area where they can spread their wings, such as a sizeable chicken run or a backyard.

To keep chickens safe from predators and provide ample room to roam, fencing is necessary. Chicken-wire fencing can help keep chickens in and predators out, but it comes at a cost. Building and furnishing a coop and a 20-by-5-foot run can cost at least $300, including materials like wood, fencing, and hardware.

The coop should be designed to provide comfort and protection for the chickens. It should be large enough for humans to comfortably gather eggs and clean the space, with features like nesting boxes, roosting areas, and feeders. The coop should also have proper insulation, ventilation, and protection from the weather. Regular cleaning of the coop, at least once a month, is essential to maintain a healthy environment for the chickens.

For those with limited outdoor space, free-range broilers can benefit from access to shade structures and ample forage cover. The quality of outdoor space is often more important than its size. However, providing extra outdoor space may help reduce aggressive conflicts among the flock.

Food and water

Chickens need a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Protein is particularly important for growing chickens and for egg production. If your chickens are free-range, they will forage for insects and greenery to supplement their diet. However, if they are confined to a small space, they will need access to more food to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.

The amount of food a chicken needs will vary depending on several factors, including age, breed, and diet composition. Chicks, for instance, will eat around one to two ounces of feed per day during their first eight weeks, gradually increasing as they get older. A fully grown chicken will typically eat about 120 grams of layers pellets per day, or around 1/4 pound of feed per chicken per day. It's important to ensure that all chickens in a flock can eat without being bullied or chased away from the food by more dominant individuals.

To keep food costs down, you can mix your flock with good foragers. You can also provide insoluble grit, which helps chickens digest their food. Oyster shells are a good source of calcium, which chickens need to lay eggs with strong shells. Corn is another popular treat for chickens, but it should be given sparingly as it is high in fat. Treats like seeds, table scraps, and other non-feed-based foods should only make up about 10% of a chicken's diet.

Like food, the amount of water a chicken needs will depend on various factors, including age, weather, and diet. On average, an adult chicken drinks about 500 ml of water each day, but this can increase to 1 litre in hot weather. Young chicks, on the other hand, drink less, with a 30-day-old chick consuming around 150 ml per day. It is important to ensure that chickens have constant access to fresh, clean water to stay hydrated and healthy. Dehydration can lead to health problems, reduced egg production, or even death.

To reduce the need for frequent refilling, some people use automated chicken drinkers or nipple waterers. It is also recommended to have two sources of water: one in the coop run area and one outside if the chickens are free-ranging. In hot weather, it is important to keep the water in the shade and check it more often, as chickens will drink more to stay cool. Similarly, in cold weather, water can freeze over, so it is necessary to check and replenish it frequently.

Health and sanitation

Clean bedding and good ventilation can help prevent respiratory ailments, and it is important to avoid overcrowding. A clean water supply is critical for poultry health, and waterers should be cleaned and sanitised regularly. A sanitising solution of hot water and detergent, along with a brush, is an effective way to sanitise surfaces. Additionally, a small tub of water and disinfectant near the coop entrance for disinfecting shoes can help prevent the spread of pathogenic agents.

A sound nutrition program is vital to keeping chickens healthy. A well-balanced diet, appropriate for the bird's stage in life, is crucial for their health, egg production, and overall well-being. Chickens are omnivorous, and their diet should include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fibre, and quality protein. Access to grit, such as sand, pebbles, and stones, is also important, as it helps them break down food. However, diluting a well-balanced diet with grains to save money can contribute to health problems.

It is important to regularly inspect chickens for external and internal parasites, such as mites, lice, and worms, which can cause discomfort, disease, and reduced egg production. Symptoms may include feather loss, weight loss, lethargy, and pale combs. Dust baths can help control mites, and quarantining new chickens before introducing them to the flock can minimise disease transmission.

Chickens are susceptible to various health issues, including respiratory infections, digestive problems, and extreme weather conditions. They can also develop bumblefoot, a staph infection that enters through a cut or scrape on the foot. Knowing the signs of a healthy bird is important, such as being active, alert, and moving around freely. Healthy droppings will be firm and grayish-brown, with white urine salts.

Budget and profitability

The cost of raising chickens depends on several factors, including the breed of chicken, the number of chickens, the local regulations, and the scale of the operation.

Firstly, it is important to check local regulations and ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is permitted in your area. Some cities may require a permit, which can cost money, and there may be limits on the number of chickens you can keep.

The initial setup costs for raising chickens include building or buying a coop and purchasing the necessary equipment, such as fencing, feeders, water containers, and nesting boxes. Building a coop can range from $200 to $4,000, depending on the size and quality. The materials for a basic coop and run can cost at least $300. It is also important to ensure that the coop is large enough for the number of chickens and provides adequate protection from the weather and predators.

Ongoing costs include feed, bedding, and utilities. Feed costs can vary depending on location and quality, with prices around $20 for a 50-pound bag. The amount of feed consumed will depend on the number of chickens and the season, as feed consumption may increase during colder months. Bedding materials, such as straw or wood shavings, are necessary for nesting and should be replaced regularly to maintain sanitation. Additionally, utilities may increase due to the need for electricity and water for the chickens.

It is worth noting that chickens can also reduce costs in certain areas. They can provide entertainment, pest management, and fertilizer for your garden. If you decide to raise chickens for meat or sell their eggs, there may be potential for additional income. However, the profitability of selling eggs depends on the scale of the operation and the cost of feed.

When creating a budget for raising chickens, it is essential to consider the initial setup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential income streams associated with chicken-keeping. By planning and managing these costs effectively, individuals can successfully raise healthy chickens while staying within their financial means.

Legal requirements

Raising chickens is subject to various legal requirements that you must comply with. These laws and regulations can vary depending on your location, so it is essential to consult the specific rules applicable to your area. Here are some general legal considerations to keep in mind:

Permits and Licenses:

Depending on your city or town, you may need to obtain a permit or license to legally raise chickens in your backyard. Each municipality may have different requirements and restrictions. Some cities may prohibit poultry altogether, while others may limit the number of animals you can keep. Check with your local authorities or refer to city ordinances to determine if you need a permit and how to obtain one. There may also be additional regulations and inspections if you intend to sell eggs or meat.

Zoning and Property Restrictions:

Laws regarding the ownership of animals often include restrictions on the number of birds, their sex, and the location of chicken coops on your property. In some cases, the amount of property you have and your proximity to neighbours may determine whether you are permitted to keep chickens and in what quantity. Certain areas may require you to obtain written permission from your neighbours before introducing chickens to your property.

Housing and Construction Regulations:

There may be specific regulations governing the construction of chicken coops or pens. You might need to acquire a permit to build a coop, and it may be subject to inspection to ensure it meets the necessary standards. These standards may include size requirements, such as providing a minimum amount of space per chicken, both inside the coop and outdoors. The coop should be sturdy, weatherproof, and well-ventilated to maintain the health and safety of the chickens.

Health and Sanitation:

Maintaining the health and sanitation of your chickens and their living environment is crucial. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the coop, feeders, and waterers are essential to control manure and odour buildup and prevent disease. Some areas may have specific regulations or testing requirements to ensure the health and sanitation of poultry. Proper biosecurity measures should also be implemented, such as quarantining new chickens before introducing them to your existing flock to prevent the spread of disease.

Animal Welfare:

In addition to health and sanitation, you must ensure the overall welfare of your chickens. This includes providing them with adequate food and water daily and ensuring their safety from predators and adverse weather conditions. Depending on your location, there may be laws governing the treatment and care of poultry, including space requirements and protections against cruelty.

It is important to thoroughly research and understand the specific legal requirements pertaining to chicken ownership in your area before embarking on raising these animals. By complying with these regulations, you can ensure the health and safety of your chickens and avoid any legal consequences.

Frequently asked questions