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Why Raise Chickens?

Perhaps you have kids and want them to know a thing or two about food sources. Maybe you are entertained by a chicken outrunning her sisters to protect her prized june bug. Or maybe there's just a part of you that wants to be in touch with a natural process for a few moments each day (especially when gardening season has ended).




We all want good fresh local eggs. But it hurts to dish out 5-7 bucks for ethically-produced eggs.
Many backyard egg farmers have calculated their savings on blogs and in books. Numerous variables come into play when doing this, but even the most conservatve cost estimates fall far below the retail price of eggs.
Depending on feed type, breed, bedding, and chicken health, you may spend anywhere from $0.60 cents to $1.50 per dozen eggs. Either way, your operating costs won't come close to the cost of $5-$7/dozen that we pay here in Vancouver for free-range eggs. But don't take it from me; let's consult an expert:

einstein
Now Albert is assuming all his layers are in the prime of thier careers, but he always was an optimist. Check out these websites for some other people's cost estimates:
The Straight Dope,
"Backyard Poultry"









A few quotes:

"A city is measured by many things, but chief among them are its omelets, quiches and souffles."
-Anon

This guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, 'Doc, uh, my brother's crazy; he thinks he's a chicken.' And, uh, the doctor says, 'Well, why don't you turn him in?' The guy says, 'I would, but I need the eggs.' -Woody Allen