Backyard chickens are affordable to keep but have a real upfront cost, most of it in housing. Here’s an honest, itemized breakdown so you can budget with no surprises.
How much does it cost to start?
For a typical starter flock of four to six hens, expect $300 to $1,500 upfront. The range is wide because the coop can be anything from a $150 DIY build to a $2,000 premium kit. Everything else — chicks, feeder, waterer, brooder, and first bags of feed — is comparatively small.
Startup costs breakdown
| Item | Budget | Typical | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coop & run | $150 (DIY) | $500 | $2,000 |
| Chicks or pullets (x6) | $18 | $60 | $150 |
| Brooder + heat plate | $30 | $60 | $100 |
| Feeder + waterer | $25 | $40 | $80 |
| Bedding + first feed | $30 | $50 | $80 |
| Grit, oyster shell, extras | $20 | $35 | $60 |
| Total | ~$275 | ~$745 | ~$2,470 |
The coop dominates the total. If you can build one, you’ll cut startup costs more than any other single decision.
Ongoing monthly costs
Once set up, chickens are cheap to keep. For a flock of six:
- Feed: ~$15–$25/month (a 50 lb bag lasts roughly a month for six hens).
- Bedding: ~$5–$10/month depending on method.
- Health/extras: ~$5/month averaged (supplements, occasional treats).
That’s roughly $25–$40/month, or about $15–$25 per hen per year for feed and bedding combined.
Do backyard eggs actually save money?
It depends. Once the coop is paid off, the marginal cost of eggs is low — six good layers can produce 25–35 eggs a week, which would cost a fair amount at the store, especially with high egg prices. But if you count the upfront coop cost, break-even can take a year or more. Most keepers find the eggs roughly pay for the feed, with the coop being the real investment — plus the harder-to-price benefits of fresh eggs, knowing your food source, and enjoying the hobby.
(We’re building an Egg Break-Even Calculator to run these numbers for your exact setup — check the Tools page.)
How to start on a budget
- Build or repurpose a coop — the biggest saving by far.
- Start with hardy, prolific breeds like Rhode Island Red or ISA Brown to maximize eggs per dollar.
- Buy feed in bulk and store it dry and rodent-proof.
- Get the flock size right from the start with the Coop Size Calculator so you don’t rebuild.
New to all this? Begin with our guides on feeding and space requirements. Backyard chicken keeping is increasingly popular worldwide — see the background on chickens.
New to all this? Our complete beginner’s guide to backyard chickens walks you through every step, from choosing a breed to collecting your first eggs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start backyard chickens?
Typically $300–$1,500 upfront for 4–6 hens, with the coop being the biggest expense. A DIY coop can bring the total closer to $275.
How much do chickens cost per month?
About $25–$40/month for a flock of six, mainly feed and bedding — roughly $15–$25 per hen per year.
Are backyard chickens cheaper than store eggs?
After the coop is paid off, the ongoing egg cost is low. Including the coop, break-even usually takes a year or more.
What is the biggest cost of keeping chickens?
The coop and run. It’s the largest upfront expense and where building your own saves the most.
How many chickens should a beginner start with?
Three to six hens is ideal — enough for a steady egg supply without being overwhelming, and chickens are social so keep at least three.
Keep planning: pick the best laying breeds, size your coop, and learn what to feed your flock.
Brooder equipment is a separate line item worth budgeting for. Our guide to raising baby chicks breaks down what you actually need and what it costs.