In today’s world, where the price of everyday essentials like eggs is skyrocketing, many of us are seeking alternative ways to sustain our households. Our recent visit to the store left us in disbelief as we stared at the price tag: $10 for an 18-count egg carton. With such steep prices, the decision to embark on a homesteading journey with chickens has never felt more justified.
The Cost-Effective Nature of Raising Chickens
Our small flock of 10 chickens has become a crucial part of our daily lives, providing us with eight to nine fresh eggs daily. Considering our household’s consumption, including our dogs, relies heavily on these eggs, purchasing them at current market prices would be unsustainable. Thankfully, the cost of maintaining our chickens is relatively low. With less than $50 spent on feed from Tractor Supply and supplementing their diet with kitchen scraps, we’ve found a cost-effective and fulfilling way to provide our own food.
A Morning with the Chickens
Greeting the chickens in the morning has become a ritual. Ensuring they don’t escape during feeding times, mixing treats into their feed, and supplementing their diet with fresh weeds from the garden contributes to their well-being and productivity. Our Leghorns, known for their prolific egg-laying abilities, seldom disappoint, often laying eggs daily.
The Egg Count: A Daily Surprise
By mid-morning, the chickens are usually in the midst of their laying routine. Despite not always reaching the coveted number of 10 eggs a day, the eight to nine eggs we regularly collect are a testament to their consistency and our efforts in providing a conducive environment for them.
Homesteading Challenges and Rewards
Admittedly, our yard has seen better days, but recognizing the value it brings to our chickens in terms of food and space makes it all worthwhile. Our initial plans for a movable coop, or chicken tractor, to fertilize different areas of the yard have been put on hold due to life’s other demands. However, this has not deterred us from making the most of the situation, ensuring our chickens are well-fed and content.
The Bounty of Eggs: Sharing and Consuming
The abundance of eggs our chickens provide is a blessing. While we occasionally share this bounty with friends, most of the eggs are consumed within our household. Knowing the source of these eggs, understanding their diet, and recognizing that while not entirely organic, they are fresher and likely healthier than store-bought alternatives brings a sense of satisfaction and reassurance.
Reflections on Our Homesteading Journey
As we navigate the challenges and joys of homesteading with chickens in the city, we’re reminded of the value of self-sufficiency and the peace of mind it brings, especially in times of economic uncertainty. The gratitude we feel towards our hardworking chickens, and the simple pleasure of consuming fresh, home-laid eggs, reinforces our commitment to this lifestyle.
Our homesteading journey, particularly in the realm of raising chickens, has been a rewarding endeavor that not only addresses the high price of eggs but also enriches our lives in unexpected ways. As we continue to develop our Arizona Homestead and explore new projects in the city, we remain excited about sharing our experiences and learning from this vibrant community.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, the path to self-sufficiency and providing your own food, especially through homesteading with chickens, is both a practical and fulfilling pursuit in today’s world.
We saw the future! We got our 10 egg layer chickens in April 2022 and we cannot be any happier than now! They are easy to take care of and once everything is situated, it is pretty cheap to own them! #backyardchickens #eggprice #homesteading