Everything you need to know about the cost of owning chickens

Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience if you’re up for the challenge! You might be wondering how much does it cost to own chickens?

The good news is that there are a variety of factors that will help you decide what kind of setup and budget is best for your situation.

That’s where we come in. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the cost of raising chickens.

From start-up costs to ongoing expenses, we’ll break down everything so you can make an informed decision about whether or not chickens are the right choice for you.

As you might know, chickens are interesting creatures, and raising them is more interesting.

Let’s get started!

Cost of different chicken breeds

The cost of owning a chicken can vary greatly depending on the type and breed. Below is a list of popular breeds and their corresponding costs:

Breed	Price
Bantam	$2-4 per bird
Leghorn	$5-8 per bird
Rhode Island Red	$4-7 per bird
Australorp	$10-15 per bird
Wyandotte	$6-14 per bird
Orpington:	$8-15 per bird
Silkie	$3-9 per bird

These prices may change depending on where you purchase your birds, as well as the current market prices. Be sure to do your research and compare different vendors before making a final purchase.

How much does it cost to own chickens?

Are you ready to jump into the exciting world of urban homesteading?

Owning chickens is a rewarding experience and an excellent way to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. But how much does it cost to make this dream a reality?

Before starting your chicken-keeping adventure, there are 10 costs that you need to consider:

1. Chicken Coop:

The biggest expense will be the construction or purchase of housing for your flock. How big should the coop be?

How many chickens do you plan on having? How fancy do you want to get with materials and finishes?

All these questions determine how much money you’ll have to dish out for your chick’s home. An approximate cost of a chicken coop can range from $250 to over $1000.

2. Bedding:

The coop should be lined with absorbent bedding such as straw or wood shavings, which will need to be replaced regularly.

How much you’ll spend on bedding largely depends on what type of material you go for and how often you replace it.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 -$20 per bale depending on the quality of the product.

3. Feeders & Waterers:

For feeders, you have a few different options – gravity-fed hoppers or manual feeders that need refilling daily.

Waterers come in many shapes and sizes too, either hanging models or troughs placed directly on the ground.

In general, feeders will cost between $10 -$50 while waterers range from around $15 to over $100.

4. Feed:

How much your chickens eat largely depends on their size and activity levels. And buying in bulk can save you a lot of money!

For laying hens expect to spend around $20-$30 per month if buying commercial chicken feed and up to double that for organic or specialty feeds.

5. Veterinary Care:

Just like pets, chickens need regular check-ups too!

Prevention is key – make sure your backyard flock gets vaccinated against common diseases such as Marek’s disease or Newcastle Disease etc.

This may add an additional cost but it’ll be well worth the peace of mind knowing your chickens are healthy and protected.

6. Insurance:

To fully protect your flock, you may want to consider getting insurance for them too.

How much you’ll need to pay will depend on your specific coverage needs – whether it’s a full indemnity policy or third-party liability protection only.

7. Other Supplies:

Depending on how big (or small) you scale up, there are other supplies like nesting boxes, perches and roosts that you may have to invest in.

The costs can range from as low as $10 to over $100 depending on what type of materials and size you get for these accessories.

8. Predators:

How well you secure your coop and the area around it will be a key factor in protecting your flock from predators.

How much you’ll need to invest in this will vary greatly, but can range anywhere from $50 to over $500 depending on how far you want to go with security measures like netting, fencing or electric barriers, etc.

9. Processing Equipment:

If you plan on harvesting eggs for consumption then having the right tools is essential for both safety and convenience.

How much money you spend here depends on what type of toolkit you get – basic entry-level kits start at about $30 and can reach well into hundreds of dollars for higher-grade versions.

10. Miscellaneous Costs:

The final cost that many people forget is the small stuff – like cleaning supplies, medicine and additional vitamins etc.

How much you’ll spend here will depend on the quality of the products you buy and how often you need to replace them.

A general estimate would be around $20 -$30 per month depending on your flock’s size and needs.

Final Thoughts 

The cost of owning a chicken can vary depending on breed, location and other factors.

Before investing in chickens, make sure you are fully aware of all the potential costs involved — from start-up funds to ongoing expenses — in order to create an informed decision about whether or not chickens are right for you. 

Once you get a chicken, you can check out the amazing chicken names to give to your little clunky friends.

Now that you know how much does it cost to own chickens why not take your research to the next level? 

Find out what kind of breeds will suit your lifestyle, the best housing options, and other essential tips to help you get started with chicken ownership!