Updated for 2025. Welcome to Halbert Farm, your source for a diverse array of poultry! Here, youll find a delightful selection of four distinct chicken breeds, one distinguished heritage breed of turkey, and a charming assortment of ducks, all raised with care on our farm. To help you find the perfect birds to add to your flock, we’ve put together this complete price list that shows how much each breed costs based on its age and sex. Please note that “pullets” refer to young female chickens, while “cockerels” are young male chickens. Explore our offerings and discover the ideal feathered friends for your homestead!.
Looking for chickens that are both pretty and useful? Our Salmon Faverolles aren’t your average backyard bird; they’re show-quality chickens that were carefully bred from the best bloodlines in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas. Eight years ago, I became deeply interested in this cute breed, which set me on a mission to protect and promote their unique qualities. Unlike standard hatchery chicks, our Salmon Faverolles boast impressive size, translating to larger, delicious eggs. While their stature means theyll enjoy a bit more feed, their stunning salmon plumage and gentle personalities make them a true standout in any flock. We also have cheap straight-run chicks and sometimes have backyard-quality birds for people who are just starting out or are on a budget. Invest in the elegance and heritage of our Salmon Faverolles – youll not only get beautiful egg layers but also a piece of poultry excellence.
How Much Does a Live Chicken Cost? A Complete Breakdown
Many people are considering getting backyard chickens these days Fresh eggs every morning and cute, feathered pets – what’s not to love? However, before taking the plunge, it’s important to understand all the costs involved with keeping chickens In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of buying and raising live chickens.
Initial Costs
Purchasing the Chickens
A baby chick can cost anywhere from $3 to $5 each from a local farm store or online hatchery. Backyard chicken breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Buff Orpingtons tend to be the most budget-friendly. If you want something fancy like Polish Crested or Silkie chickens, expect to pay upwards of $25 per chick. You’ll need a minimum of 2-3 chicks since chickens are social creatures.
Housing
One of the biggest initial investments for backyard chickens is setting up proper housing. A basic wooden coop for 3-5 hens can cost $300 to $600. Pre-made coops from tractor supply stores run $500 to $2,000 depending on size and materials. Budget extra for predator-proofing with hardware cloth and metal fencing. You’ll also need essentials like feed and water containers, nesting boxes, perches, and bedding.
FencingChickens will need an outdoor enclosure to roam in. A simple chicken run made of chicken wire will cost between $100 and $300. Electric net fencing, which costs $150 to $500 per acre, is a good choice for movable grazing.
Brooder Setup
Baby chicks need extra warmth, usually via a brooder setup with a heat lamp or radiant brooder plate. A basic brooder with all supplies will be around $75 to $150.
Total Initial Cost: $500 – $1,000+ depending on coop type and number of chickens.
Ongoing Monthly Expenses
FoodFeed costs will depend on how many chickens you have. Every 50-pound bag of layer feed costs between $15 and $25. For 3-5 chickens, one bag should last 1 to 1. 5 months. Supplementing with kitchen scraps can help reduce costs.
For the chickens’ coop floor, you need to cover it with a few inches of pine shavings or straw, which are both absorbent. A bale of straw costs $5 to $10 and will last a small flock one to two months.
Health Supplies
You’ll need basic health supplies like vitamins, wormer, first aid, etc. Budget $5 to $10 per month. Also have an emergency vet fund in case a chicken gets sick or injured.
Electricity
If you use lamps or radiant heat plates in the coop, especially for chicks, expect an extra $5 to $10 per month in electricity costs.
Total Ongoing Monthly Cost: $30 – $50 on average
Cost Per Chicken: For a flock of three hens, it would cost:
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Initial setup: $500 coop + $150 supplies/3 chickens = $220 per chicken
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Monthly care: $40 food, bedding, health/3 chickens = $13 per chicken
So each chicken would cost about $220 to acquire and house initially, then $13 per month for food and supplies. Over 2 years, the total cost per chicken would be around $500.
Cost Comparison to Store Eggs
Now let’s compare the cost of raising chickens vs. buying eggs. For easy math, let’s say our 3 chickens each lay 5 eggs per week. That’s 15 eggs per week or 60 eggs per month. If store-bought organic eggs cost $4 per dozen, that’s around 35 cents per egg. So in a month our chickens would produce eggs worth $21 at the store. Since it costs about $40 per month to care for the chickens, we would still save $19 rather than buying eggs.
So when done properly, raising backyard chickens can be cost-effective thanks to the value of fresh eggs. Just make sure to account for all regular and unexpected costs so your flock remains healthy and productive.
Tips for Saving Money on Chicken Keeping
Here are some tips to lower costs with your backyard flock:
- Build a basic coop from scrap wood or repurposed materials
- Allow chickens to free-range for extra food sources
- Buy chicks during spring for best selection and health
- Choose common breeds like Rhode Island Red
- Buy supplies in bulk online for discounts
- Use deep litter method to stretch bedding longer
- Supplement feed with scrap vegetables and fruit
- Prevent health issues through proper care and nutrition
The Joy of Raising Backyard Chickens
While chickens do have upfront and recurring costs, most owners feel the benefits far outweigh the expense. Waking up to a fresh omelet or watching hens happily roaming in the garden is priceless. Chickens also provide natural pest control, fertilizer, and endless entertainment. For many, chickens become beloved family pets and a source of comfort.
If you’re willing to put in some routine work caring for a flock, the costs are quite reasonable. With proper planning and preparation, raising backyard chickens can be an incredibly rewarding and productive experience. The average chicken will stick around 5-10 years, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your feathered friends. Just be sure to do your homework before taking the plunge.
Bantam Salmon Faverolles
Exciting news from Halbert Farm in 2025! Were thrilled to introduce adorable Bantam Salmon Faverolles to our flock. My foundation stock hails from two exceptional exhibition lines, offering you the choice of the classic smooth feathers or the charming, curly “frizzle” trait. I’ve always liked standard-sized chickens because they lay bigger eggs, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many good-sized eggs these little bantams lay. Their undeniable cuteness is simply irresistible, and their temperament is even more docile than their standard counterparts. And lets be honest, who can resist the unique appeal of those delightful frizzles? These little gems are sure to bring joy and character to any coop!.
Bantam Faverolle Price List
|
Bantam Salmon Faverolles |
Age |
Price |
|
Straight Run Chicks |
1 – 3 weeks old |
$15 |
|
Pullets / Cockerels |
3 weeks+ |
$30 |
Looking for the softest and most beautiful addition to your backyard? Our Silkie chickens, which come in beautiful colors like blue, black, splash, paint, and gray, are sure to win your heart! While our breeding lines produce show-quality birds, my current focus is on my Faverolles, which means you can get these beautiful birds without having to pay the high price of show stock. Honestly, Silkies werent my first love, but their incredibly docile nature has truly won me over. It seems everyone adores these fluffy charmers, and they even handle the heat remarkably well. Just a friendly heads-up: their trusting nature makes them vulnerable to aerial predators like hawks, so keeping a watchful eye during foraging is a must – they can disappear in the blink of an eye! If youre seeking sweet-tempered, uniquely beautiful chickens, our Silkies are the perfect fit.
HOW MUCH does raising chickens for eggs cost? (Exact Cost Breakdown)
FAQ
How much does it cost for a live chicken?
The cost of egg-laying hens Baby chicks can cost between $3 and $5, and egg laying hens can cost between $20 and $50 depending on age. If you want a fancier breed of chicken, you can expect to pay a premium for both chicks and hens. Since chickens are social, you’ll need at least two chickens.
Is it cheaper to raise chickens or buy eggs?
In the long run, keeping chickens isn’t usually cheaper than buying eggs, especially when you factor in the costs of setting them up in the first place.
How much do 12 live chickens cost?
Chickens: $5 per chick The cost of chickens varies, but on average, you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per chick. Keep in mind that you will need at least two chickens for proper socialization and egg production. Most flocks have roughly 8-10 chickens.
How long will a 50 pound bag of feed last 4 chickens?
For two chickens, you’ll need a 50-pound bag every four months. For four chickens, about every two months, and so on and so forth.
How much do chickens cost?
The cost of chickens varies, but on average, you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per chick. Keep in mind that you will need at least two chickens for proper socialization and egg production. Most flocks have roughly 8-10 chickens. Chickens require a balanced diet for optimal egg production.
How much does a live chicken cost?
A live chicken can cost anywhere between $4 and more than $2,000. Price often depends on the chicken’s breed, age, and gender. Common chicken breeds tend to be the most affordable, with eggs and baby chicks being the least costly option. Rare breeds can be incredibly pricey, especially if you’re purchasing a pair of breeding adults.
How much does it cost to feed chickens a day?
On average, it costs $0. 15 to feed your chickens per day, with organic feed costing at around $0. 60 per pound. For a flock of 5 chickens, you will likely spend less than $30 a month, if you feed a 16% layer feed found at local farm stores. For organic feed, you will spend more – about $150 per month.
How much does a chicken house cost?
This type of housing will cost around $100-$200. If you want something more secure and larger, it could cost up to $500 or more. Additionally, you will need to purchase food for your chickens. This can range from $10-$50 per month, depending on the size of the flock and type of food.
How much does it cost to breed a chicken?
But if you do intend to breed new flocks, you’ll also need the following: From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight. The cost of chickens varies, but on average, you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per chick.
How much do chicks cost?
On the low end, chicks will cost around $2 each from a local hatchery. Buying the same chicks from your local farm supply store or feed shop will likely bring them to the $4-$6 range. And really remote areas without great retail or delivery options may find them significantly marked up. Sometimes you can also find pullets.