Deciding Against Homesteading Chickens for Now: A Thoughtful Approach
Written on
Chapter 1: The Rising Cost of Eggs
In 2022, the price of a single egg for my family was approximately $0.20, slightly above the U.S. average of $2.00 per dozen (California tends to have higher costs). Fast forward to Valentine's Day 2023, and that same egg jumped to $0.39, with a dozen costing nearly $4.78. This represents an astonishing 239% increase in price, with a staggering 332% rise since February 2020.
Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash
The winter months, especially February, see higher prices for our poultry products as the shorter days lead to reduced egg production. However, even when disregarding seasonality, these year-over-year comparisons reveal significant increases, despite the 20% to 50% inflation affecting other goods. While I won’t delve into the numerous theories surrounding egg prices—plenty of experts have tackled that topic—many people have been pondering this issue, including those in my YouTube feed, which is flooded with discussions on why one shouldn't consider raising their own chickens.
Chapter 2: The Allure of Self-Sufficiency
This year, my family has embraced gardening, we bake our own bread, hang our clothes to dry, and my resourceful wife has even begun mending cloth diapers for our newborn. However, we are still far from the homesteading ideal. As a banker and a teacher living in an 8,000 square foot suburb in Northern California, we have adopted sustainable practices where we can, aiming to foster a sense of self-reliance. Adding chickens would seem like a natural progression in a poultry-friendly zone, but we have chosen to hold off. Here’s why:
Section 2.1: Financial Considerations
“$10,000 for a chicken coop!?” My favorite YouTuber, Epic Gardening, acknowledges that their coop is extravagant and not a feasible option for most. While many suggest a more reasonable coop can be built for $250 to $500, when you factor in additional equipment, feed, and the cost of chicks or hens, initial expenses could easily surpass $500.
Ongoing costs for feed, new chickens, and water also need to be considered. Surprisingly, reports indicate that raising your own chickens can sometimes lead to higher costs than purchasing eggs from the store, particularly when comparing against organic, pasture-raised options. Starting a new hobby can be costly, and amidst the excitement, one may find themselves caught in a cycle of purchases, preparing for an “eggciting” new lifestyle. Yet, the question remains: will this new endeavor truly stick? Is there a more economical way to ease into it?
Section 2.2: The Importance of Passion and Commitment
Another compelling reason to consider raising chickens is the desire to cultivate self-sufficiency and create a home that nurtures both family and community. This consideration shifts the decision-making process from mere economics to a more subjective evaluation of values.
Although your aspirations may seem appealing on paper, it’s crucial to carefully contemplate the non-monetary costs, many of which are not immediately visible.
- Community Support: Will your neighbors be supportive? While it may be your land, maintaining good relationships with those around you, especially with someone like a paramedic who has helped you in the past, is vital. How will your decision impact loved ones and your community?
- Care and Responsibility: Are you prepared to ensure the well-being of the chickens? I found myself questioning, “What if one falls ill? What if there’s aggression among them?” The weight of responsibility cannot be ignored. I’ve watched videos on humane butchering as a preliminary step, and I’m grateful for neighbors to discuss my commitment to proper care if it ever becomes necessary. What emotional costs might arise?
- Time Commitment: Can you dedicate the necessary time? Caring for animals is time-consuming—collecting eggs, cleaning their living space, and monitoring their health all require a significant time investment. Although technology has automated some tasks, genuine care still demands time, a resource that cannot be replenished.
Section 2.3: Weighing the Impact on Life
Decisions come with financial, emotional, and time-related costs. Some hobbies are fleeting, and my wife and I have learned the importance of seeking advice from others before diving headfirst into new ventures. Our decisions are filtered through our values and assessed against our limited resources before making any firm commitments.
Ultimately, we have set a goal for reconsideration; our “No” is more of a “Not yet.” In a year, we will evaluate whether our interest in raising chickens persists or if it was merely a passing fancy. We often apply a one-year rule to various opportunities in life, which has served us well in ignoring the “sales,” “urgency,” and FOMO that appear yearly.
For now, we are satisfied with the new hobbies we have integrated into our suburban life, even if it means paying $7.00 for a dozen eggs for another year or two.
Or support both your and Christopher's coffee cravings with a subscription to Trade Coffee.