It seems like a lot of the replies you receive on having your own hens and eggs they lay, are how much it costs in feed, how much cheaper to get eggs in the store. But do most people not realize how the hens are pushed into the laying area, never can do much more than eat and drink, have not had a taste of grass and NO freedom what so ever? Those are your commercial store bought eggs. But to get a small amount of hens and raise them organically and have your own best tasting and healthy eggs, no cost can replace your own organically laid eggs for your HEALTH and TASTE. Jill in Hobart, WA
keeping hens for eggs
Jill...I think we all feel the same way you do about animal rights, and care. Asking about the cost efficiency is just another way of evaluating if raising chickens for eggs is going to work for someone. Most of us choose to do it for several reasons, but it's not for everyone.
Hey...at least we are trying. Nearly every person on this post already has chickens...this is just a discussin forum...not a protest session.
All I can say is that you are 'preachin' to the choir!'
Melissa
Amen, LOL.
I am not trying to preach to anyone. I am just saying that there are a lot of people that seem to forget the main purpose in having laying hens, and if people want to eat store eggs they obviously will, but even having a few egg layers and to be able to eat your own fresh eggs is a treat that many people never have that chance. But people do tend to look at most things at a finacial cost instead of a healthy and fun way of life. Jill Hobart
I'm In Montana, and want to find a better way to water my poultry in the winter.
I've been using a little electric one for the ducks, but the hens pull it out several times a day. Any ideas?
I put my waterer on bricks with a birdbath heater between it and the bricks. It's one of thoes flat ones that look like a squished pie tin. It works and only cost me 50 cents at a yard sale.
People who do it purely for economics probably won't ever have chickens (or any fun, if you ask me). But if you add in what wonders you're doing for your soil, it might factor it over to the other side. No need for fertilizer or pesticides! Then add in the entertainment value. The "bonus" of fresh eggs SHOULD be worth the cost.
I agree! I turned my other half into a beliver just based on how much entertainment he gets from the chickens. They sure do make for interesting topics of discussion at family dinners as well. We would never go back to not having them.
Another thing was when we were at the grocery store last night. Ryan yelled from far across the store, "Hunny look! The eggs here at over $1.50/dozen! I sure am glad we have chickens who lay these for us at home every day!"
Needless to say I was slightly embarrassed...but happy that he starting to enjoy the chickcens.
I considder the eggs I get from my chickens "gifts" and gifts have to be shared. I've had people want to buy them, but it's my little "random act of kindness" to give them away. The econimics don't really work out but, oh well...
It was really worth it when I cooked down my old hens and canned chicken stock. I had a half of a jar that I put in the fridge instead of processing it and when I went to use it tonight, it was like jello. You can't get that out of a campbells can or a purchased chicken!
Thank you for all the positive feedback about the fun and healthy reasons of having your own hens and caring about the enviorment and benefits of enjoying some healthy hens to get your own eggs. Many people including myself, prefer not to put chemicals in their bodies. By the way, soup also is a gift from the birds after they've given us plenty of eggs. My organic eggs are also going to go to family and friends at no cost. Thank you again, Jill in Hobart
mcamden, ENTERTAINMENT ..... that is the only reason because the economics are out the window. You hit it right on the head. The ducks lay better than the hens just to be accurate. My wife almost faints when I cook up the duck eggs. Now that's entertainment. Gotta go feed the hens. I can't taste any difference myself and the appearance of a store bought egg is just a nice.
I can say, going in, if I had known how much these little critters eat, I would have bought fewer. LOL
Seriously, I've been reading a lot lately about people dumping, selling very cheap and giving away animals left and right because of the drought and the inability to come up with food for them.
I think it's a good thing to know how much it will cost to feed and raise anything you take in to raise. I like that people ask all the questions that they do. It has given me a marvelous opportunity to do lots of reading and learning.
Now that mine are laying eggs, they are giving something back, other than joy and entertainment. :) But, I still have tpo many! We plan to thin down some when I am sure who is laying. They are very nice, very friendly birds and we love them all but have to be reasonable.