LunaKiw1 Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 (edited) We've now had our 2 Omlet girls for about two and a quarter years. We bought them along with an Eglu Classic and 2m run, glug/grub etc and have recently add an Omlet WIR. By the time I add in the cost of even the minimum regular expenditure on layers pellets, stalosan, bokashi and wormer (although no bedding, as I attribute the cost of straw to the horse) then their total payback of around 1100 eggs to date makes the cost of each egg work out at around £1.50! If I added in the weekly cost of their treats such as corn on the cob and fruit etc it would be even more! Has anyone else done this sort of calculation or is it best not to even contemplate the actual cost? Having done it however I would still agree with that credit card advert's punchline of 'priceless' as the cost of the pleasure and amusement that Ginger and Pepper bring us every day! Edited May 31, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzannejoy Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 I dont add up what its costs all in all ...frightened to even think about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 what you really need is MORE chickens, which would then bring down the average egg price. (how's that for justification then?! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LunaKiw1 Posted May 31, 2011 Author Share Posted May 31, 2011 (edited) That is eggcellent thinking! Must explain to OH how it is absolutely essential to double my flock and so half the cost!!! Edited May 31, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 I like that idea Even so our eggs are indeed priceless. Not only is there all the cost of extra mealworms, grapes, bananas, lettuce, destroyed perennials etc. etc. there is also the cost of the time I waste watching them, talking to them, photographing them and generally doing not a lot with them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henslaved Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 After having my run turned into a WIR, the new smaller house and run to fit inside my new WIR (all built by my OH), new feeders, drinkers, treats etc, my OH says "these new hens you're getting had better lay golden eggs", to which I replied "I don't ask for much , surely you can't put a price on my happiness" *OH tuts and walk away* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chestnutmare Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 But I bet they're the most amazing eggs you've ever tasted? I have kept a list of how much my girls cost to keep. I spent a small fortune when I first got them with housing and 'essentials' (debatable! ) but they're not expensive to keep now I have all the 'stuff', well, when comparing to the other pets I own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I don't really think of the cost per egg. They are not an egg business, they are my pets. Those that don't lay often or have retired are loved just as much for their entertainment value. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolly Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 £1.50 per egg? I reckon that's a bargain!! Given how much we spoil our lot and the cost of recent vets bills, I would never have the courage to actually work out what our eggs cost! But, no matter how much it is, I wouldn't be without them, they bring so much life to the garden and happiness to me, they're priceless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Ah but you have to factor in the slug and snail control, the free compost, and the sheer joy of looking at the garden and seeing hens snoozing, pecking or dustbathing in the borders. As you said above - priceless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I've been doing this for two years and try to factor in everything from housing and fencing to bedding, food to treats, and vet visits, medicines and supplements (although the dog is in debt to them as he is now sharing their cod liver oil). Mind you I hadn't thought of subtracting anything for benefits to the compost heap . Anyway with five chickens cost is currently £1.07 an egg, so I reckon it is certainly cost effective to have more chickens . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witzend Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 At least you get SOMETHING from hens.................think of the running costs with dogs and cats - all you get from them is slobbers, muddy paw prints and moulting hair! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgieB Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 We've never worked out the cost per egg but our ex-batts are worth every penny. To see them blossom into the beautiful girls they were meant to be and to see them happily scratching around, sunbathing, running after you for treats etc is invaluable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treacle Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I daren't work out how much I have spent in case my OH see's it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickanne Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Agree that the joy of keeping my girlies is priceless! The only advantage of a horse it it provides more manure than a chicken! OH never questions the cost of his breakfast eggs. We had a bargin that if I had chickens he could have bees and his first "nucleus" arrives in about three weeks. At least I don't have to dress up in a silly suit to play with my pets! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 I'm trying to factor in the amount of dinners that I've burnt when I've got waylaid by the chickies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lolimac Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Agree that the joy of keeping my girlies is priceless!The only advantage of a horse it it provides more manure than a chicken! OH never questions the cost of his breakfast eggs. We had a bargin that if I had chickens he could have bees and his first "nucleus" arrives in about three weeks. At least I don't have to dress up in a silly suit to play with my pets! Thats brilliant...i love to bargain too... I started to add up the cost when i got my girls (3yrs ago) but soon gave up..Only the best will do for my ladies in Cluckingham palace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...