We have about a dozen hens. I can tell you the egg output is way below the feed consumption. So they cost us more than they save us. They're in a large pen (about 40 ft. x 40 ft.) which they have completely denuded of any vegetation. We can't let them out in the yard or the dogs would do them in. Plus when they ARE out, they scratch up all the landscaping.
In summer we rake up grass clippings for them, but most of the year they live on chicken feed and table scraps. The eggs are tasty (only for our family) but they only produce well for a few months of the year, and production drops off as the hens get older.
It's a nice hobby if you have spare time, but they're not cheap and not trouble-free. Also, when the wind's blowing the right direction from the chicken pen, there's a little odor involved.
Anybody want to buy a dozen hens? I've about talked myself into getting rid of them!.
Ours will roam during the day - they eat bugs - so great to get rid of ticks and such. My brother in law has them and their dogs know to leave them alone.
I pay $3 - $4 per dozen farm fresh here - will have to see about what the cost feeding is.
We would like to have them just because we like animals too...but DH will have to build a great coop off the ground to keep the foxes away. I like the ones that were designed in England that look like they are on a giant wheelbarrow off the ground so that you can move them around.
Would be great to have them in the vineyard to dine on the Japanese beetles when they come around...
RIki
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