HOME Contact About "us" News Why Get Chickens? Helpful Resources Bylaw status Ordering a coop FAQ



Why Raise Chickens?


Perhaps you have kids and want them to learn about where their food comes from. Maybe you are entertained by a chicken outrunning her sisters to protect her prized june bug. Or maybe there's just a part of you that wants to be in touch with a natural process for a few moments each day (especially when gardening season has ended).

We all want good fresh local eggs. But doesn't it hurt to dish out 5-7 bucks every time you want to buy ethically-grown eggs?
Many backyard egg farmers have calculated their savings on blogs and in books. Numerous variables come into play when doing this, but even the most conservatve cost estimates fall far below the retail price of eggs.
Depending on feed type, breed, bedding, and chicken health, you may spend anywhere from $0.60 cents to $1.50 per dozen eggs. Either way, your operating costs won't come close to the cost of $5-$7/dozen that we pay here in Vancouver for free-range eggs. Check out these websites for some peoples' cost estimates:
The Straight Dope,
"Backyard Poultry"

"A city is measured by many things, but chief among them are its omelets, quiches and souffles."
-Anon

This guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, 'Doc, uh, my brother's crazy; he thinks he's a chicken.' And, uh, the doctor says, 'Well, why don't you turn him in?' The guy says, 'I would, but I need the eggs.' -Woody allen