How Much Does a Live Chicken Cost? A Complete Breakdown
Many people are considering getting backyard chickens these days Fresh eggs every morning and cute, feathered pets – what’s not to love? However, before taking the plunge, it’s important to understand all the costs involved with keeping chickens In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of buying and raising live chickens.
Initial Costs
Purchasing the Chickens
A baby chick can cost anywhere from $3 to $5 each from a local farm store or online hatchery. Backyard chicken breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Buff Orpingtons tend to be the most budget-friendly. If you want something fancy like Polish Crested or Silkie chickens, expect to pay upwards of $25 per chick. You’ll need a minimum of 2-3 chicks since chickens are social creatures.
Housing
One of the biggest initial investments for backyard chickens is setting up proper housing. A basic wooden coop for 3-5 hens can cost $300 to $600. Pre-made coops from tractor supply stores run $500 to $2,000 depending on size and materials. Budget extra for predator-proofing with hardware cloth and metal fencing. You’ll also need essentials like feed and water containers, nesting boxes, perches, and bedding.
Fencing
Chickens will need an outdoor enclosure to roam in. A basic chicken run made with chicken wire will cost around $100 to $300. Electric net fencing is a good option for movable grazing and runs $150 to $500 depending on acreage covered.
Brooder Setup
Baby chicks need extra warmth, usually via a brooder setup with a heat lamp or radiant brooder plate. A basic brooder with all supplies will be around $75 to $150.
Total Initial Cost: $500 – $1,000+ depending on coop type and number of chickens.
Ongoing Monthly Expenses
Food
Feed costs will depend on how many chickens you have. A standard 50 lb bag of layer feed costs $15 to $25. For 3-5 chickens, one bag should last 1 to 1.5 months. Supplementing with kitchen scraps can help reduce costs.
Bedding
Chickens need several inches of absorbent bedding like pine shavings or straw to cover the floor of the coop. A bale of straw runs $5 to $10 and will last 1 to 2 months for a small flock.
Health Supplies
You’ll need basic health supplies like vitamins, wormer, first aid, etc. Budget $5 to $10 per month. Also have an emergency vet fund in case a chicken gets sick or injured.
Electricity
If you use lamps or radiant heat plates in the coop, especially for chicks, expect an extra $5 to $10 per month in electricity costs.
Total Ongoing Monthly Cost: $30 – $50 on average
Cost Per Chicken
If we break it down per chicken for a starter flock of 3 hens, it would cost:
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Initial setup: $500 coop + $150 supplies/3 chickens = $220 per chicken
-
Monthly care: $40 food, bedding, health/3 chickens = $13 per chicken
So each chicken would cost about $220 to acquire and house initially, then $13 per month for food and supplies. Over 2 years, the total cost per chicken would be around $500.
Cost Comparison to Store Eggs
Now let’s compare the cost of raising chickens vs. buying eggs. For easy math, let’s say our 3 chickens each lay 5 eggs per week. That’s 15 eggs per week or 60 eggs per month. If store-bought organic eggs cost $4 per dozen, that’s around 35 cents per egg. So in a month our chickens would produce eggs worth $21 at the store. Since it costs about $40 per month to care for the chickens, we would still save $19 rather than buying eggs.
So when done properly, raising backyard chickens can be cost-effective thanks to the value of fresh eggs. Just make sure to account for all regular and unexpected costs so your flock remains healthy and productive.
Tips for Saving Money on Chicken Keeping
Here are some tips to lower costs with your backyard flock:
- Build a basic coop from scrap wood or repurposed materials
- Allow chickens to free-range for extra food sources
- Buy chicks during spring for best selection and health
- Choose common breeds like Rhode Island Red
- Buy supplies in bulk online for discounts
- Use deep litter method to stretch bedding longer
- Supplement feed with scrap vegetables and fruit
- Prevent health issues through proper care and nutrition
The Joy of Raising Backyard Chickens
While chickens do have upfront and recurring costs, most owners feel the benefits far outweigh the expense. Waking up to a fresh omelet or watching hens happily roaming in the garden is priceless. Chickens also provide natural pest control, fertilizer, and endless entertainment. For many, chickens become beloved family pets and a source of comfort.
If you’re willing to put in some routine work caring for a flock, the costs are quite reasonable. With proper planning and preparation, raising backyard chickens can be an incredibly rewarding and productive experience. The average chicken will stick around 5-10 years, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your feathered friends. Just be sure to do your homework before taking the plunge.
Bantam Salmon Faverolles
Exciting news from Halbert Farm in 2025! Were thrilled to introduce adorable Bantam Salmon Faverolles to our flock. My foundation stock hails from two exceptional exhibition lines, offering you the choice of the classic smooth feathers or the charming, curly “frizzle” trait. While Ive always appreciated the practicality of standard-sized chickens for their larger eggs, Ive been pleasantly surprised by the decent-sized eggs these little bantams lay. Their undeniable cuteness is simply irresistible, and their temperament is even more docile than their standard counterparts. And lets be honest, who can resist the unique appeal of those delightful frizzles? These little gems are sure to bring joy and character to any coop!
Bantam Faverolle Price List
|
Bantam Salmon Faverolles |
Age |
Price |
|
Straight Run Chicks |
1 – 3 weeks old |
$15 |
|
Pullets / Cockerels |
3 weeks+ |
$30 |
Looking for the ultimate gentle and captivating addition to your backyard? Our Silkie chickens, available in a stunning array of blue, black, splash, paint, and grey, are sure to steal your heart! While our breeding lines boast exhibition quality, my current focus is on my Faverolles, allowing you to bring home these exquisite birds without the premium show stock price tag. Honestly, Silkies werent my first love, but their incredibly docile nature has truly won me over. It seems everyone adores these fluffy charmers, and they even handle the heat remarkably well. Just a friendly heads-up: their trusting nature makes them vulnerable to aerial predators like hawks, so keeping a watchful eye during foraging is a must – they can disappear in the blink of an eye! If youre seeking sweet-tempered, uniquely beautiful chickens, our Silkies are the perfect fit.
HOW MUCH does raising chickens for eggs cost? (Exact Cost Breakdown)
FAQ
How much does it cost for a live chicken?
The cost of egg-laying hens
Baby chicks can cost between $3 and $5, and egg laying hens can cost between $20 and $50 depending on age. If you want a fancier breed of chicken, you can expect to pay a premium for both chicks and hens. Since chickens are social, you’ll need at least two chickens.
Is it cheaper to raise chickens or buy eggs?
How much do 12 live chickens cost?
Chickens: $5 per chick
The cost of chickens varies, but on average, you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per chick. Keep in mind that you will need at least two chickens for proper socialization and egg production. Most flocks have roughly 8-10 chickens.
How long will a 50 pound bag of feed last 4 chickens?
For two chickens, you’ll need a 50-pound bag every four months. For four chickens, about every two months, and so on and so forth.
How much do chickens cost?
The cost of chickens varies, but on average, you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per chick. Keep in mind that you will need at least two chickens for proper socialization and egg production. Most flocks have roughly 8-10 chickens. Chickens require a balanced diet for optimal egg production.
How much does a live chicken cost?
A live chicken can cost anywhere between $4 and more than $2,000. Price often depends on the chicken’s breed, age, and gender. Common chicken breeds tend to be the most affordable, with eggs and baby chicks being the least costly option. Rare breeds can be incredibly pricey, especially if you’re purchasing a pair of breeding adults.
How much does it cost to feed chickens a day?
On average, it costs $0.15 to feed your chickens per day, with organic feed costing at around $0.60 per pound. For a flock of 5 chickens, you will likely spend less than $30 a month, if you feed a 16% layer feed found at local farm stores. For organic feed, you will spend more – about $150 per month.
How much does a chicken house cost?
This type of housing will cost around $100-$200. If you want something more secure and larger, it could cost up to $500 or more. Additionally, you will need to purchase food for your chickens. This can range from $10-$50 per month, depending on the size of the flock and type of food.
How much does it cost to breed a chicken?
But if you do intend to breed new flocks, you’ll also need the following: From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight. The cost of chickens varies, but on average, you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per chick.
How much do chicks cost?
On the low end, chicks will cost around $2 each from a local hatchery. Buying the same chicks from your local farm supply store or feed shop will likely bring them to the $4-$6 range. And really remote areas without great retail or delivery options may find them significantly marked up. Sometimes you can also find pullets.