Everyone needs a chicken



Loving her bantam hen "Eskimo"

Don't you agree that everyone should have a chicken?  They provide eggs and sometimes meat  and the provide smiles when you hug them :). They eat bugs and clean up your garden at the end of the season. For the amount of money invested chickens have a high rate of return. Let's explore that. You buy a chicken coop. Let's assume you don't live in the country. So you but a small prefab coop for 2-4 chickens (like our first). Cost $250-$300. Most expensive part in my opinion. Then you go to the feed store and purchase 4 chicken pullets (baby chicks). Cost $3 each so a total of $12. Bag of chick starter feed. Cost $9 for a 5lb bag depending on brand. Heat lamp depending on outside temps about $20 with bulb. So now your ready. In about 23 weeks you will start getting fresh eggs everyday for breakfast. And they will be the best eggs you ever tasted. While your waiting for the eggs the chickens are eating bugs, cleaning up the yard and providing entertainment in the evenings. I love watching mine peck the ground. Most other homestead animals have a much higher start cost due to shelter needs, feed costs and cost of the animal itself. A good example is in our area a kid (baby goat) will run anywhere from $75 to $150 or more depending on breed, genetics etc. And you usually need to buy two or more so they aren't alone.

So the lesson for today?  Chickens are a great, inexpensive way to start homesteading and eating healthy. Can't keep chickens?  Find a local farm to get eggs from. You won't be disappointed.