--- title: "The cost of keeping chickens, and whether the eggs pay for it" description: "The cost of keeping chickens: the coop, birds, feed, bedding and vet care, with a worked first-year example and how the cost compares with buying eggs." author: "Wealtie Team" published: 2026-11-13 updated: 2026-11-13 category: "Budgeting" canonical: https://wealtie.com/blog/cost-of-keeping-chickens --- # The cost of keeping chickens, and whether the eggs pay for it The cost of keeping chickens covers a coop and run, the birds, feed, bedding and occasional vet care. In a worked example, a first year with three hens costs about 500, and later years about 200. ## Key takeaways - The cost of keeping chickens covers a coop, the birds, feed, bedding and health care. - In a worked example, a first year with three hens costs about 500. - Later years cost about 200, mostly feed and bedding. - Keep chickens for the enjoyment and fresh eggs, not to save money on eggs. ## What is the cost of keeping chickens? Keeping a few hens in the garden has become a popular hobby. Fresh eggs are the obvious reward, but many people keep chickens because they enjoy them as pets. The costs start with a coop and a secure run, then the birds themselves, followed by feed, bedding and some health care. In a worked example, a first year with three hens costs about 500, and later years about 200. Before you start, check any rules where you live. Some areas, leases and housing developments restrict keeping poultry, and some countries ask you to register even a small flock. It's also worth talking to neighbours, since chickens can be noisy at times and a cockerel especially so. A gift of fresh eggs now and then goes a long way. Think about the space you have, too. Hens need room to scratch and roam, and a run that's too small leads to bored, unhappy birds and a muddy patch of garden. Three hens is a good number to start with, since chickens are social and shouldn't be kept alone, and it keeps costs and cleaning manageable. Remember that hens can live for several years, so you're taking on a long-term commitment, and that the feed and bedding bills continue whether or not they're laying. ## What does a first year with chickens cost? Here's a worked example with three hens, in round numbers that work in any currency: | Item | First year | | --- | --- | | Coop and run | 250 | | Feed | 120 | | Hens | 60 | | Bedding | 40 | | Feeders, health and extras | 30 | | **Total** | **500** | ![A first year with three hens. Coop and run: 250, Feed: 120, Hens: 60, Bedding: 40, Feeders, health and extras: 30.](https://us-1-s3.polodev.net/wealtie-blog-media/posts/2026/11/a-first-year-with-three-hens-coop-and-run-250-feed-120-hens-cdacbc60e7.webp "Source: Worked example in round numbers") After the first year, the coop and feeders are already in place, so ongoing costs are mainly feed, bedding and the odd health product, about 200 a year. ## What are the main costs of keeping chickens? ### Coop and run A secure coop and run is the biggest cost and the most important. It needs to keep out foxes and other predators, stay dry and be easy to clean. Second-hand coops can save money, but clean them thoroughly to avoid mites. A well-built coop lasts for many years. Raised floors, easy-clean trays and a lockable door save time and worry, and are worth paying a little more for. ### Hens Hens are usually cheap to buy. Rescue schemes rehome ex-commercial hens for a small donation, which is a lovely way to start and gives the birds a better life. ### Feed Layers' pellets or mash are the main ongoing cost. Buying in larger sacks is cheaper, as long as you can store it dry and away from rats. Kitchen scraps can be a treat, but check what's safe, since some foods are harmful and some places restrict feeding kitchen waste. ### Bedding Wood shavings, straw or similar bedding needs changing regularly. Used bedding makes excellent compost for the garden. ### Health care Mite and worm treatments are regular small costs. Vet care for poultry can be expensive, so many keepers set aside a small amount for emergencies. [How to build a fund for vet bills](https://wealtie.com/blog/vet-bills-fund) covers this. ## What else adds to the cost of keeping chickens? Holidays need planning, since chickens need daily care. A neighbour may help in return for eggs, but paid pet sitters cost money. Hens lay fewer eggs as they get older and stop laying during moulting and the darkest winter months, though they still need feeding. Repairs to the coop, extra fencing and replacing lost birds can add costs too. Winter can bring small extras, like a cover to keep the run dry. ## Do chickens save money on eggs? Usually not, at least on cost alone. Three hens might lay plenty of eggs in spring and summer, but fewer in winter, and the cost of the coop and feed often adds up to more than buying good-quality eggs. The real value is in the fresh eggs, the compost, the pleasure of watching them and teaching children where food comes from. If you go in expecting a hobby rather than a saving, chickens can be very rewarding. [How to budget for a pet](https://wealtie.com/blog/budget-for-a-pet) covers planning for animals in general. ### Keep costs down Buy feed in bulk, use bedding as compost, take in rescue hens and build or buy a sturdy second-hand coop. [How to save money on gardening](https://wealtie.com/blog/save-money-on-gardening) shows how chicken compost can cut garden costs too. ## How do you track chicken costs in Wealtie? Add a pets or chickens category to your [expense categories](https://wealtie.com/features/categories) and set a yearly [budget](https://wealtie.com/features/budgets) for it, so you can see what the flock costs over a year. ## Questions people ask ### How much does it cost to keep chickens? In a worked example, a first year with three hens costs about 500, including the coop, birds, feed, bedding and extras. Later years cost about 200. ### Do backyard chickens save money? Usually not on eggs alone, since the coop and feed often cost more than buying eggs. The value is in fresh eggs, compost and enjoyment. ### What is the biggest cost of keeping chickens? A secure coop and run, which keeps out predators and lasts for years. ### Where can I get cheap hens? Rescue schemes rehome ex-commercial hens for a small donation. *This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.*