How much will my chickens cost me?

What will layers cost me?
This is really difficult to answer without sounding woolly and evasive, but let us try…….

The poorest hen from an unreliable source can cost anything from £5 to” how much the person thinks he can get from you”….especially if you are new to poultry.

What about rare or traditional pure breeds from a well sourced quality breeder?
Expect to pay big money for them usually. But the price does vary, (from £15 to £50)  As does the quality.As a rule they will be much more expensive than hybrids…..and it may be wise to be really experienced before you venture along this road. Go to a trusted, recommended, established breeder.

Should I buy at these “farmer marts” at their “rare breed sales days”?
You may land with a “bargain”………………………there again you may not!!

What do hybrid layers cost?
These are nearly always sold at “point of lay”. And only from the very large specialised breeders directly, or through their appointed agents. ( as specialised birds, we cannot breed them….they must be bought in from source)  The price depends on the age at sale and the numbers bought….and of course the quality of the bird and support and service.
I have seen (pol)  hybrid hens on sale from around £15 to £25. At the time of writing , depending on age and number, ours are sold fully vaccinated at  between £10 and £12.

Will I save money on the cost of eggs by keeping hens in my garden?
Yes if you keep Hybrid layers and compare the costs, including feed of course, with the cost of supermarket free range eggs, you will make substantial savings.

......link to......FAQ....stages from chick to hen.