Every time there is a spike in egg prices, people come out of the woodwork saying, “Maybe we will get chickens.”
This is going to be a short post as my thoughts are, well, fairly simple.
If you want food security and farm-fresh eggs regularly, having a few chickens(or 20) is great.
If you want eggs at the lowest cost possible, go to the grocery store.
Look, I’ve spent a lot more money than I needed to on my ladies. We enjoy having them and especially enjoy plenty of great-tasting eggs. As we build our small homestead in the direction of self-reliance and preparedness, chickens are a valuable food security resource.
Got chickens?
Jake
Our chickens not only feed us in terms of the obvious eggs but they have several layers of usefulness.
1. When they age out, we make them into soups and bone broth.
2. We raise extra to feed the livestock guardian dogs. Since we hatch our own, we butcher the extra roosters for them.
3. They keep the tick population down, at least on the property where they free range.
4. The roosters serve as an augment for the dog alarm system.
5. Sitting outside and watching them go about their business on a sunny afternoon is ome of the most calming things imaginable.
Chickens are the best. :)
I often say the same thing about my veggie and fruit gardens. The energy return on investment is incredibly negative and may never turn positive for me. But it brings me satisfaction, fresh food that I know is chemical free, and keeps me active and engaged in nature.