pbfhpunk Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Just wondered if anyone kept records about their chickens, like income and expenditure? I've seen the Poultry Keepers Almanac and jsut wondered if people used it or did their own spreadsheets or database to keep track. Thanks Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I dare not keep any record like that, the OH might find out just how much those delicious cakes and puddings really cost! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I daren't try and add up expenditure vs income - far too scary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I'm sure ChrisnRob had something along those lines. Can't find it though. Maybe it was someone else. I dare say they will own up soon enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinkybijou Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Despite the truly lovely eggs they produce, I don't think my two chooks will every pay their way! Like the others, I absolutely daren't work out how much my eggs *really* cost!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Life is far too short for record keeping... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbfhpunk Posted April 23, 2008 Author Share Posted April 23, 2008 Thanks for the replies, it was more to keep track of who laid and when and how long feed lasted rather than trying to make money, although they will be pets eventually we'd like to kepe them on a much bigger scale and so I tohught that it would be good to get used to record keeping and the like while I was starting small! Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 It's a good idea, but I wouldn't be disciplined enough to keep it up to date! But if your planning to start an egg production buisness then yes this is probably the best way to get some experience of record keeping... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbfhpunk Posted April 23, 2008 Author Share Posted April 23, 2008 Offspring - I'm not disciplined either! Which is why I'd like to give it a go before I try anything bigger! Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I've decided to keep a diary - first egg (still waiting), weights of eggs and anything I feed them as a treat to record whether they liked it. Won't be keeping a tally of expenditure though, don't want anyone finding out that 3 hens have cost so much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I'm much to scared to keep a tally, as I am normally a prudent, careful person and I don't want to know how big a loss I am making on my hens. On the other hand, the eglus and cubes don't seem to suffer much depreciation judging by the prices on eBay, so maybe I am too pessimistic. In fact, it's even possible that my eggs are costing under £5 each. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Which is why I'd like to give it a go before I try anything bigger! The only other piece of advice I would like to give you, is if you plan to turn it into a successful business, then you would have to change the way you feel about your chooks and detach yourself from them emotionally. For example if you have a really large flock, you can't really continue to keep them as pets, as it will become uneconomically viable with vet bills/funerals and treats etc. It is a shame, but in business your main priorities should be meeting UK animal warfare standards (so that you don't get prosecuted and the hens still live a happy/regulated life) and making money (this includes cutting costs where possible, feeding only when necessary and no treats etc.) I know it's still only a plan, but if you do decide to make a go of it, I really do wish you all the best of luck with it, it would be my ideal fantasy job! I would love to start my own egg production business, but I am too laid back and relaxed about things... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...