The Real Cost of Raising Your Own Eggs – Feed, Bedding, and Time

Raising your own chickens for fresh eggs might sound like the ultimate self-sufficiency dream—just imagine grabbing warm eggs from the coop every morning, no grocery trips required! But here on Andersen Acres, we’ve found that while the idea of backyard eggs is charming, the reality is more expensive than many people expect.

Let’s break it down.

🐔 The Startup Costs

First, you’ve got the upfront investment. Chicks might only cost a few dollars each, but you’ll also need:

• A brooder setup with heat lamps
• Bedding and feeders
• Starter feed
• A safe, predator-proof coop (which can run anywhere from $200 DIY to $1000+ prefab)
• Fencing or a run to give them room to roam

Even before your hens lay a single egg, you could be in for several hundred dollars. And that’s just the beginning.

🥚 Ongoing Feed and Supplies

Once your hens are grown and laying, the costs continue. On average:

• Layer feed runs around $20–$30 per 50lb bag. A small flock of 6–8 hens will go through that in 3–4 weeks.
• Grit and oyster shell help with digestion and eggshell strength—about $10 every few months.
• Bedding like straw, pine shavings, or hemp needs regular replacing. Expect $10–$20 monthly depending on how often you clean.
• Supplements and snacks, like black oil sunflower seeds or kitchen scraps, add up too (and let’s be honest—we all spoil our hens a little).

🧼 Time and Labor

Let’s talk about your time. Chickens are low-maintenance for livestock, but they’re not no-maintenance.

• Daily egg collection
• Feeding and watering
• Regular coop cleanings
• Health checks and parasite prevention
• Managing flock behavior (pecking order disputes are real!)

If you ever have a broody hen, an injured bird, or predators in the area, the time and stress increase fast.

💸 What Does That Egg Really Cost?

Let’s say you get 5–6 eggs a day from your flock. That’s about 150–180 eggs a month. But if you spend $40–$60 monthly on feed and bedding, you’re paying about 25 to 40 cents per egg—not counting time, setup, or unexpected costs (like vet bills, fencing repairs, or a raccoon-proofing emergency).

Compare that to a store-bought dozen? The numbers speak for themselves.

💛 But It’s Not Just About the Cost

We still love our chickens. We love knowing where our food comes from. We love the fresh taste of just-laid eggs. And we love watching our hens roam the yard, dig in the dirt, and cluck their little chicken gossip.

But we also believe in being honest about the commitment. Raising your own eggs can be deeply rewarding—but cheap and easy? Not so much.

If you’re thinking about backyard chickens, go in with open eyes—and maybe a spreadsheet.

How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer – Tips That Actually Work

If you're a hobby farmer, you know that summer heat isn't just uncomfortable for you — it can be downright dangerous for your chickens. Unlike us, chickens can't sweat. Instead, they rely on panting, spreading their wings, and finding shade to regulate their body temperature. But during heatwaves, those natural coping mechanisms often aren't enough. Let’s go over what actually works when it comes to keeping your flock safe, healthy, and as cool as possible.

1. Provide Plenty of Shade

The easiest and most effective way to help your chickens is to ensure they have access to lots of shade — and not just inside the coop. In fact, coops can become dangerously hot during the day. Make sure your run has natural shade from trees or add shade cloths, tarps, or even repurposed old sheets to block the sun. Rotate shade structures if needed to follow the sun’s movement.

2. Keep the Water Flowing (and Cool)

Water is critical. Chickens can’t handle dehydration well, and they drink more when it's hot. Place waterers in the shade and refill them often with cool (not ice-cold) water. Adding ice blocks or frozen water bottles to the drinkers can help keep it cooler longer. Electrolytes in the water once or twice a week during peak heat can also give them a boost.

3. Offer Frozen Treats

Yes, chickens love a popsicle moment! Try freezing fruits like watermelon chunks, berries, or corn in muffin tins of water and handing them out mid-afternoon. Not only does it give them a fun enrichment activity, but it cools them down from the inside out.

4. Ventilation Is Key

A well-ventilated coop is essential year-round but becomes life-saving in summer. Check for airflow — you want vents near the roof (heat rises!) and maybe even a fan to move air on still days. Just be sure it’s safe from dust and feathers. Never close off ventilation to “keep in cool air” — that traps heat and ammonia.

5. Dust Baths in the Shade

Chickens love to bathe in dust, and it helps them regulate temperature while warding off mites. Place dust bath areas in shaded zones and keep them dry. You can add herbs like mint or lavender for a cooling bonus (and a sweet smell!).

6. Avoid Overcrowding

Too many chickens in one space generates more body heat and reduces air circulation. Make sure your flock has enough space both in the coop and in the run to spread out and move around freely.

7. Adjust Feeding Times

Digestion generates heat. Try feeding your chickens in the early morning and later in the evening when it’s cooler. Avoid heavy feeds like cracked corn in the heat of the day, as it can increase internal body temp.

8. Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

Know the warning signs: panting, wings held away from the body, pale combs, droopy behavior, or lethargy. In severe cases, chickens may collapse. If that happens, move them to a cool place immediately, mist them lightly with cool (not cold) water, and offer electrolytes.

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Final Thoughts

Keeping chickens cool in the summer takes a little planning, but it’s worth every effort to keep your flock safe and happy. When the temperatures rise, don’t wait until it’s too late — take proactive steps now to prevent heat stress.

Do you have a favorite trick to help your flock chill out? Let us know in the comments — we love learning from fellow hobby farmers!