Is Raising Chickens Actually Cheaper Than Buying Eggs? Chicken Keepers Weigh In

• It’s not instantly cheaper to raise chickens since there are various upfront costs, like buying the chickens and equipment.
• A couple of factors to consider before building a chicken coop are size, materials, labor, and maintenance.
• To save money, research different breeds, purchase secondhand coops, and transform existing structures into coops.

As egg prices continue to rise across the country, more people are questioning whether it’s cheaper to save money raising chickens. The idea continues to grow in popularity: a 2024 study showed that 13% of Americans currently raise chickens in their backyard, averaging five chickens per home. For many, the idea of stepping outside and grabbing fresh eggs from the backyard is more appealing than purchasing from the store, but will it save you money?

We spoke to pro chicken keepers about what you should know if you’re considering raising chickens to save money on eggs.

Is Raising Chickens Actually Cheaper Than Buying Eggs?

The short answer is, no, it’s not automatically cheaper to raise chickens than buy eggs, especially considering the substantial upfront costs. However, according to Lisa Steele, the founder of Fresh Eggs Daily, after the initial startup costs, raising chickens can be more economical in the long run, particularly if egg prices continue to rise.

If your goal is to save money fast, raising chickens won’t immediately do the trick. The startup costs of purchasing chickens, building a chicken coop, and purchasing equipment can add up quickly and cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Additionally, chickens don’t start laying eggs until they are 6 months old, meaning purchasing younger chicks won’t yield immediate egg results. According to Elam Miller, owner of The Hen House Collection, it will take time before you save money.

“If you’re calculating strictly, it can take up to two years to break even, assuming you’re replacing store-bought eggs priced around $4 a dozen,” Miller explains.

However, Miller says the price of the eggs isn’t the sole reason to decide whether to raise chickens.

“Raising chickens…[is] a mix of purpose, process, craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results per work invested,” Miller says. “So when it comes to whether it’s profitable, I’d always return to this statement first before drilling down into the numbers.”

While price is certainly a factor, Miller says it’s worth noting that other benefits exist, such as the nutrient value of fresh eggs over those purchased at the grocery store. It’s also worth remembering that raising chickens requires maintenance and upkeep, so determining if you have the time and desire to handle this part of the process is essential.

Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!

Costs to Consider When Building a Chicken Coop

Both experts agree that the exact costs of a chicken coop vary widely and depend on several factors. Size, materials, and whether you choose to build or purchase an already assembled option all affect the overall price.

Here is a breakdown of some of the costs of building a chicken coop:

• Size: The size of your chicken coop will make a difference in price. Opting for a smaller option, such as an A-Frame, can cost around $300. However, larger coops, like a walk-in, may cost between $650-$1000.
• Materials: If you decide to build a coop yourself, the materials you choose will impact the price. Lumber and plywood are the most common choices to frame and floor coops: softwood can cost between $2-$3 per foot, while plywood often costs $10-$15 per sheet. If you look into corrugated metal or plastic, the prices increase, with metal costing between $15-$20 per sheet and plastic costing between $25-$30.
• Labor: If you hire someone to build or assemble your coop, you must also factor in these costs. Hiring a handyman to assemble a coop kit can cost between $50 and $150 per hour. Hiring a carpenter is the better bet if you’re building from scratch, but it will cost closer to $1,000.

What to Keep in Mind When Building a Chicken Coop

Steele explains how chicken coops have two purposes: a place for the hens to lay their eggs and for the flock to sleep safely at night, where they are protected against predators. When building a coop, she says it must contain:

• 2 to 3 square feet of floor space per bird
• 1 nesting box for every 2 to 3 hens
• Minimum of 8 inches of roosting bar per bird

Additionally, you’ll want to consider these factors:

• Space: The amount of space you have available is crucial. While a small coop can fit in a smaller area, your chickens will need to be able to get out and roam around, so they aren’t always in the coop. Additionally, you should consider building a small quarantine coop for sick birds, so ensure you have plenty of space, even if you only want to raise a few chickens.
• Ventilation: Steele recommends including windows that can open and close to ensure your coop is properly ventilated. She also says to cover the windows with 1/2″ of welded wire or smaller gauge to keep small predators out.
• Predator Protection: Plenty of predators can attack your chicken coop, so ensure you have predator-proof locks on doors, coverings on windows, and that the construction of your coop can’t be easily infiltrated.

Ways to Save Money Raising Chickens

While there are significant costs to consider, Steele suggests some ways to potentially save money.

• Use Kitchen Scraps for Feed: Steele says that feed is one of the biggest ongoing costs, but you can reduce this by using kitchen and garden scraps. You can also allow chickens to roam free-range and nibble on grass and insects to supplement their diet (just make sure they always have food available).
• Look Into Chicken Breeds: While you want to choose quality chickens, you don’t necessarily need designer breeds to produce great eggs. Opting for breeds known for their production, such as Australorp, Barred Rock, Delaware, Leghorn, Marans, Rhode Island, Wyandotte, Red Star, or Comet, are great options to consider.
• Purchase a Coop Second-Hand: Steels says you can potentially find coops for sale online, such as Facebook Marketplace, that can reduce the cost of purchasing brand new or building yourself.
• Transform an Existing Structure: If you have a structure you’re not using anymore, such as a children’s playhouse or old shed, you can transform it into a coop with a few modifications.