[Armscor38]

While I like to raise chickens and under other circumstances, I’d have a very small flock, it’s been my experience that raising chickens for eggs isn’t cost effective . Not when I can gets eggs at a local gas station for $1.00 a dozen or $1.85 at a nearby Dollar General.

Having said that, I would have a few birds again if I could but I’d look at it as a hobby. A hobby I was willing to put time and effort into with the side benefit of getting eggs.

This is different than having a large garden and small orchard which supplies me and my wife with a large quantity of food, saves us money and as I enjoy working it, has the side benefit of being an enjoyable pastime.

[neefer]

it’s been my experience that raising chickens for eggs isn’t cost effective.

Before my husband started working from home, I would send extra eggs to work. His co-workers would give him a few dollars for each dozen that covered the cost of the feed. Now that he works from home, I haven't replaced the older hens who have died off. You're right. It can be an expensive hobby. And seeing chicks at Tractor Supply stirs up the "crazy chicken lady" in me, sort of like crazy cat lady.

[Chickensoup]

nothing better than watching CHICKEN TV

[varyouga]

Homegrown food isn’t about cost effective.

It’s about growing food that is better than what can be grown for profit. As the OP explained, these chickens get freedom to roam, eat bugs and even do some hanky panky. This will improve the nutrient profile and reduce negative things like stress hormones.

As for me, I pick my tomatoes when so ripe that they bruise if sit on a counter for a day or so. You can’t sell commercially at that ripeness.

My plants are grown with exotic minerals from the entire world. Bat and bird guanos, volcanic rocks, mineral deposits, kelps, etc. The taste is unbeatable and I’ll bet nutrition is too.