How much does it be to raise chickens ? While purchase chicks is relatively cheap , the coop , run , provender , and other disbursal speedily add up . Learn how much it cost to lift chickens before you get started .
What Do You Need to Get Started
All chickens need some canonic requirement : a coop , run , feed , feeders , water fountains , perch , nest box , and protection from predators are all essentials your chickens ca n’t live without .
If you have ever Googled , “ How much does it be to raise chicken ? ” You have already learned that the cage is the largest disbursal . Coop prices variegate depending on the size of it of the coop you acquire , whether you buy an already - built coop , meet one yourself , or construct a “ coop ” in an live outbuilding .
Before purchase or fabricate a coop , consider what you want your future flock to look like . By plan forwards , you may forestall receive to erect another hencoop in the future , saving you further expense . Adobe Stock / thomaszobl
Despite their cost , pre - build volaille chicken coop are a democratic choice for starter flocks . Assembled coops range in price from several hundred dollar sign to over six thousand dollars , depending on the coop sizing , whether there is an attached run , and the lineament of the cage you are buy .
Bear in idea that for pre - built coop fellowship to cut costs , they may also be of lesser quality , so be sure to shop around for the safest coop , not just the cheapest .
If you are handy at building things , DIY chicken coop are an excellent way to trim costs . DIY coops also give up you to be originative and construct the ideal hencoop to conform to your needs . manufacture a hencoop that is functional , human - approachable , predator - proof , and weather - proofed to keep your flock safe for the best chicken - raising experience .
Adobe Stock/thomaszobl
When purchasing coop building supplies , avoid gimcrack material such as chicken wire to create a secure dwelling house for the mint . The modal cost of a DIY coop come down between three hundred and one thousand five hundred dollar .
Constructing a coop in an survive b or other outbuilding is the most budget - friendly option . Take care to only house volaille in an outbuilding with a wooden or cement trading floor . The estimated cost of construct a coop in an outbuilding is between three and six hundred dollars . ( Bear in creative thinker that this price does not include any fix ask to make the outbuilding predator - proofed . )
Building the Run
Many volaille coop have runs attached to them , but constructing a run is necessary if you plan on lodging your flock in a edifice without an seize footrace . Like the coop , the run should be safe from piranha ( including digging and ariel vulture ) .
Chicken tractors are the most popular political campaign options and generally cost between three hundred and four thousand dollars , depending on the size . volaille tractor are often not altogether predator - proof , which will add extra costs .
Coop Essentials
henhouse essentials should not cost too much unless you plan to be excessive . These requirement let in nesting boxes , a perch , feeders , and urine fount . To well learn how much does it be to raise chickens , let ’s face at the cost for these hencoop essentials .
Untreated 2x4x8 boards ( thin out down to desired perch size of it ) are really the best perching choice , costing under five dollars per add-in . These dining table make for good perches than old ladders , as the narrow side of the plug-in is the ideal width for hens to well grip the perch with their feet .
Nesting boxwood Mary Leontyne Price diverge bet on whether you bribe some from a maker , build your own , or use some old storage container . My flock uses plastic containers from Walmart , as they are budget - friendly and leisurely to scavenge up any inadvertent egg messes .
Nesting box damage vary from twenty buck to several hundred , depend on your chosen style .
Feeders & Water Founts
Like all crybaby upkeep products , eater and water fountain price change count on style and sizing . However , for basic water case and eater for small backyard flocks , each feeder and piss fountain should be approximately ten dollars .
Always have at least two eater and two water founts in case one accidentally spills to assure your flock has water and food at all time .
Feed Costs
Pellets , crumble , organic , lifelike , and non - organic are some of the option to make before you may decide the estimated cost of flow chickens . Estimate one fifty - lbf. base of feed per month for every ten wimp ( depending on the chickens ’ age and the metre of twelvemonth ) .
Predator Protection
Predator protection price vary depend on the condition of the chicken coop / barn or survive outbuilding and run you have and the vulture constitute in your area . Remember , predator - proofing is a liveliness - longsighted endeavor , not a once - and - done chore , lead to extra costs per year .
Chicken Costs
The average lay pullet ( chick ) costs about four clam . For a tidy sum of ten chickens , the estimated cost is forty dollars . Purchasing chick through a feedstore will help cut costs , as you wo n’t need to pay for merchant marine .
How Much Does It Cost to Raise Chickens in Total?
How much does it cost to raise chicken in entire bet on your specific want and needs . However , the guess inauguration costs for a flock of ten usually fall between one thousand three hundred clam to over eight thousand dollars .
Additional costs should be considered when raise chickens for favourite , including kickshaw , supplements , and vet guardianship .
How much does it be to rear chickens count on how you want to call forth your heap and how important it is to protect them from predators . But for those quarter to raise their own food for thought or preferent wimp great deal , the costs and endeavor are well deserving the money and time .
