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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-not-money-saver

Compared with buying eggs at the store, backyard eggs usually...

Cost more to produce. Chickens are not a money saver.

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  1. Cost more to produce ✔
  2. Cost about half as much
  3. Are free after the first month

Why: Penn State Extension says producing eggs in small flocks will always cost more. Oregon State adds that chickens are not a big money saver. People keep hens for fresh eggs and fun, not savings.

Huh, didn't know that: Oregon State says record egg prices pushed many people to think about backyard chickens.

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Why did the hen stop laying? She was tired of working for chicken feed.
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References

Answer: Cost more to produce. Penn State Extension says producing eggs in small flocks will always cost more. Oregon State adds that chickens are not a big money saver. People keep hens for fresh eggs and fun, not savings.

  1. Penn State Extension: Successfully Raising a Small Flock of Laying Chickens extension.psu.edu/successfully-raising-a-small-flock-of-laying-chickens
    Producing eggs in small flocks will always cost more.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Oregon State Extension: Thinking about backyard chickens? Know the costs and care first extension.oregonstate.edu/news/thinking-about-backyard-chickens-know-costs-care-first
    It will certainly get you eggs, but it's not a big money saver.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. Mississippi State Extension: Prepare before bringing home chicks for a flock extension.msstate.edu/news/feature-story/2022/prepare-bringing-home-chicks-for-flock
    It is probably cheaper and less work to buy from the store rather than to produce it yourself at home.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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