Thinking about getting chickens? You aren't alone. It seems like every other neighbor has a coop in the backyard these days. Most people jump in because they’re tired of grocery store egg prices or they just want a cute hobby. But honestly, the "free eggs" dream is kinda a myth if you don't do the math first.
The real answer to how much do egg laying chickens cost isn't just the five bucks you hand over at the farm store. It’s a whole ecosystem of expenses that can range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand.
The Initial Price Tag: Buying the Birds
If you walk into a place like Tractor Supply or order from Meyer Hatchery, you’ll see prices that look like a steal. But age matters. A lot.
Baby Chicks (The Cheap Way)
Day-old chicks are the most common starting point. In 2026, most standard production breeds—think Rhode Island Reds or Buff Orpingtons—will run you between $3.50 and $5.00 per chick.
If you want the fancy stuff, like a Swedish Flower Hen or a Gold Deathlayer, you’re looking at $30 to $45 per bird. Yeah, for a tiny fluff ball that might not even make it through the week.
Pullets and Point-of-Lay
Don't want to wait six months for an egg? You can buy "started pullets." These are teenagers. They’re usually 15 to 22 weeks old and basically ready to get to work. Expect to pay $20 to $50 per bird for these. You’re essentially paying someone else for the five months of feed and labor they put in.
The "Hidden" Startup Costs
This is where people get blindsided. You can't just throw a chicken in a cardboard box and call it a day.
The Coop and Run
This is your biggest hurdle. A cheap, pre-fab coop from a big-box store might cost $300 to $600, but honestly? Most of those are made of cheap fir wood that rots in three years. A solid, predator-proof setup for 4-6 hens usually lands between $800 and $2,000. If you’re handy, you can DIY one for maybe $400 in materials, but lumber prices are still no joke.
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The Brooder Phase
If you buy babies, you need a setup for them to live in for 6 weeks.
- Heat lamp or radiant heater: $30 - $60
- Large plastic tub or stock tank: $20 - $80
- Chick-sized waterers and feeders: $15
- Bedding (pine shavings): $10 per bag
Basically, you’ve spent $150 before the chicken even sees a blade of grass.
How Much Do Egg Laying Chickens Cost Every Month?
Once the "construction" phase is over, you hit the maintenance phase. It's more of a slow burn on your wallet.
For a small flock of four hens, here is the basic monthly reality:
- Feed: A 50lb bag of quality layer feed costs roughly $25 to $35. Four hens will eat through that in about 6 to 8 weeks.
- Bedding: You’ll go through maybe a bag of shavings a month to keep things from smelling like a swamp. That's $7 to $12.
- Supplements: Grit and oyster shell (for strong eggshells) add another $5 to the monthly tally.
Total monthly "subscription" for 4 hens: $25 - $40.
Is It Actually Cheaper Than the Store?
Let's get real. If you spend $1,000 on a setup and $30 a month on feed, and your four hens give you 20 eggs a week... you are paying way more per dozen than the supermarket.
At least for the first two years.
People who save money are the ones who get "rescue" hens from commercial farms for $2 or $5 each, build their coop out of old pallets, and let their birds free-range to eat bugs instead of buying premium non-GMO organic feed.
The Medical Variable
Nobody likes to talk about "the vet." Most local vets won't even look at a chicken. If they do, an office visit is $75 to $150. Most chicken keepers become "basement surgeons," treating things like bumblefoot or mites with $15 worth of supplies from the local feed store because the alternative just doesn't make financial sense.
High-End Breeds vs. Production Birds
If you’re doing this for the "aesthetic," your costs change.
- ISA Browns: Boring looking, but they are egg machines. They cost $4 as chicks and lay nearly 300 eggs a year.
- Ayam Cemani: All black. Everything. Feathers, skin, meat. They can cost $70+ per chick and lay maybe 80 eggs a year if you're lucky.
You’re paying for the look, not the breakfast.
Practical Next Steps for Your Wallet
If you’re serious about starting a flock without going broke, do these three things first:
Check Local Ordinances
Some cities require a permit that costs $25 to $100 annually. Don't buy the birds until you know the law.
Scour Marketplace for Used Gear
People quit the chicken hobby all the time. You can often find a $600 coop for $100 if you’re willing to scrub some poop and haul it away yourself.
Start Your Compost Now
Chicken manure is "black gold" for gardens. If you garden, the "cost" of the chickens is partially offset by the fact that you won't have to buy fertilizer ever again. That’s where the real ROI (Return on Investment) happens.
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The bottom line? Budget at least $700 for your first year if you want to do it right. Anything less is a gamble with the health of your birds.
Actionable Summary Table
| Category | Low-End Estimate | High-End Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Birds (4 chicks) | $16 | $180 |
| Coop & Run | $300 (Used/DIY) | $2,500+ (Custom) |
| Startup Supplies | $100 | $250 |
| Annual Feed/Bedding | $300 | $600 |
| Total Year 1 | **$716** | $3,530 |
Decide if you want a hobby or a food source. If it’s a hobby, spend what you want. If it’s for food, keep that coop simple and the feed basic.
Actionable Insight: Before buying chicks, calculate your "Price Per Dozen" by dividing your estimated annual feed cost by 80 (the average dozens of eggs 4 hens will produce). If that number is higher than your local grocery price and you're strictly doing this to save money, you might want to reconsider. Otherwise, enjoy the birds for the entertainment and the better-tasting yolks.