Backyard Chicken Breakeven & Annual Cost Calculator
Does keeping backyard chickens actually save money on eggs?
The honest math
4 hens produce ~1,000 eggs/year (83 dozen). At $5/dozen store price = $417/year in egg value. Annual feed: ~$240. Net egg savings: $177/year. Coop pays off in ~2.3 years. But this ignores vet costs, bedding, treats, and the time spent caring for them.
What backyard chickens are really about
Most chicken keepers will tell you it's not about the money — it's about fresh eggs, composting, kids' education, and the entertainment value. If you're purely optimizing for cost, buy store eggs. If you want the experience, it's worth the modest premium.
With grocery egg prices near record highs in 2026 ($5–8/dozen for quality eggs), backyard chicken economics have improved significantly. At $6+/dozen, a small flock breaks even faster and may be cash-positive year 1.