Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience. Fresh eggs and homegrown meat are delicious benefits. However, there are costs to consider before bringing home your first flock. In this article, we’ll break down the main expenses so you can estimate how much chickens will cost you.

How much do chickens cost?

One-Time Chicken Coop and Accessory Costs

The biggest upfront investment when getting chickens is building or buying a coop and purchasing the other gear they need:

• Chicken Coop – Prices range widely from $300 for basic DIY coops up to $2,000 or more for elaborate pre-built coops. Expect to spend $500-$800 for a good-quality medium-sized coop.
• Feeders and Waterers – $50 can get you started with basic feeders and waterers. For fancier, elevated, enclosed, or heated options, budget up to $150.
• Nesting Boxes – Simple wooden nest boxes start at $50. For nest box “furniture” or integrated coop boxes, expect to pay $100-200.
• Perches – Adding roosts or perches helps chickens sleep off the ground. A basic wooden dowel perch system can cost as little as $20 to install.
• Fencing – To create a chicken run, wire fencing costs $100-300 depending on size and materials.
• Bedding – A bale of pine shavings or straw for coop flooring costs $10-15 and will last 1-2 months.

In total, a starter coop, accessories, and setup can cost $500-1,500 or more, with the coop itself being the biggest expense. However, you can save substantially by building your own basic coop and runs.

Cost Per Chicken

• Baby chicks cost $2-15 each from farm stores and breeders. Backyard chicken breeds tend to be cheaper.
• Mature laying hens are $10-25 per bird. Good layers, rare breeds, and younger hens cost more.
• Roosters are often cheaper around $5-10 since most flocks need fewer roosters. Certain rare breeds can still cost up to $50 or more per rooster.

For a starter flock, plan to spend $25-100 total depending on flock size and type of birds you buy. Some feed stores have spring chicken sales at reduced prices.

Monthly Supplies and Care

Caring for chickens involves a few recurring costs:

• Food – Most backyard flocks eat layer feed costing $15-50 for a 40 lb bag, which lasts 3-4 weeks for a small flock.
• Grit/Oyster Shell – Chickens need insoluble grit to help digest food. A 25 lb bag is around $15 and will last a few months.
• Nesting Material – Chickens love stray scraps of hay, straw, or pine shavings to make nests. Supply them more as needed. Chicken nesting pads are a great, easy option.
• Treats – Healthy treats like mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, greens, berries, and vegetables are appreciated. Budget $10-20 per month.
• Bedding – Spot clean and add more pine shavings or straw monthly as the old gets soiled.
• Healthcare – Budget for periodic checks, vaccines, supplements, or medications if issues arise. Expect $20-100 in a year.

In total, budget $30-60 per month for feed and supplies for a standard small backyard flock. Larger flocks eat more and have higher monthly costs.

Consider Ongoing Time Commitment

In addition to the monthly expenditures, chickens require consistent daily and weekly care including:

• Feed and water checks 1-2 times per day
• Collecting eggs
• Coop cleaning 1-2 times per week
• Monitoring health issues
• Letting them in and out of coops and runs

It’s enjoyable but regular work. Budget 15 minutes to an hour daily depending on flock size. Consider it an enjoyable hobby not just homestead savings. Hiring help for vacations can also add cost.

Total First Year Chicken Costs

Here is an estimate for total costs caring for a common starter flock of 5-10 chickens in the first year:

• One-time coop, fencing, accessories: $800
• Buying chickens (10 at $3.50/ea): $35
• First month food and bedding: $60
• 11 months supplies/food (at $45/month average): $495
• Miscellaneous healthcare/extra costs: $100

Total First Year Cost: ~$1,500

The first year has high startup costs. In subsequent years, expect around $500 in annual costs for a small backyard flock. Larger flocks with 20, 50 or 100+ chickens have higher recurring monthly expenses.

Is it Worth It?

Yes, with reasonable expectations about rewards versus costs. Well-cared for backyard chickens can produce eggs for 5+ years after their first year before slowing down. For a $1,500 starter flock investment, that equals about 4 years of ongoing costs before breaking even if you value homegrown eggs at store prices.

The delight of raising chickens, enjoying homegrown eggs, and learning animal husbandry skills makes small backyard chicken flocks worth it for many families. Just go in with eyes open about the startup and ongoing costs so your flock will be an enjoyable, sustainable project for years to come.