Are backyard eggs cheaper?
Usually only after setup has paid for itself, and only if you count the running costs alone. Feed is the biggest ongoing expense. Six hens eat about a 50 lb bag a month. Add bedding, grit and oyster shell, and running costs for a small flock commonly come to $2–4 per dozen. Spread a $500–1,500 coop over a few years and early eggs can easily cost $5–8 a dozen.
When store egg prices spike, the math tips quickly in the flock's favor. And most keepers aren't in it for the money anyway. Fresher eggs, garden compost and the entertainment value don't show up in a spreadsheet.
What moves the number most
- Eggs per hen. High-production breeds in their first two years lay far more per bag of feed than heritage breeds or older hens.
- Feed waste. A feeder that spills 20% of the feed raises your cost per dozen by about 20%.
- Setup choices. A repurposed shed or DIY coop changes the payback period more than anything else.
Gear that helps
- No-waste feeder (often the fastest payback purchase)
- Bulk feed from a local farm store
- DIY coop plans as an alternative to a prefab coop
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to raise chickens per year?
For six laying hens, expect roughly $300–500 a year in feed and supplies, plus the up-front cost of the coop and chicks.
Do retired hens still cost money?
Yes. A hen can live 8–10 years and lays little after 4 or 5. Decide your plan for older hens up front, because it changes the cost per dozen.
Sources
Last reviewed October 2026. These are planning estimates for hobby flocks. For sick birds, contact a poultry vet or your state extension office.