With egg prices on the rise, a lot of people are jumping to the idea of getting backyard chickens. After all, fresh eggs right from your own coop sounds like a great solution, right?
Well, before you run out and buy a flock, let’s talk about what raising chickens really involves—because it’s not as simple as just collecting eggs. Chickens are a long-term commitment, not a quick fix for expensive grocery store prices.
First, let’s talk timing. If you get baby chicks today, you’re looking at 5 to 6 months before you see your first egg. That’s half a year of feeding, watering, cleaning, and caring for birds before they even start producing. And even then, not every chicken lays an egg every day—production varies based on breed, season, and care.
Then there’s the responsibility. Chickens need daily care, secure housing to protect them from predators, proper nutrition, and vet care if they get sick. They also don’t stop needing care just because they slow down laying. A healthy hen can live 5 to 10 years, but their best laying years are usually over by 3 or 4 years old. What’s your plan for them after that?
And let’s not forget cost. A good coop, quality feed, bedding, and supplies add up quickly. Many backyard chicken keepers will tell you that their homegrown eggs end up costing more than store-bought ones when you factor in everything.
Now, don’t get me wrong—chickens are great! They provide eggs, help with pest control, and have plenty of personality. But they aren’t a short-term solution to high egg prices. They’re a long-term commitment that requires planning, work, and responsibility.
So before you bring home those fluffy chicks, ask yourself: Do I want chickens because I love the idea of raising them, or just because eggs are expensive right now? If it’s the latter, you might want to reconsider—because by the time your hens start laying, egg prices might not even be high anymore.
Homesteading is about sustainability and commitment, not just quick fixes. So if you’re in it for the long haul, welcome to the chicken life! But if you’re just looking for cheap eggs, it might be better to wait.
