Are you thinking about starting your own backyard flock? One of the first questions that probably popped into your mind is: how much does a chicken cost live? Whether you’re looking to raise chickens for fresh eggs, meat, or simply as feathered companions, understanding the costs involved is essential before diving into chicken ownership.
As a backyard chicken keeper myself for over 5 years, I’ve learned that the price of live chickens varies significantly depending on several factors. Let’s break down everything you need to know about chicken costs in 2025!
The Basic Cost of Live Chickens
The price of a live chicken can range dramatically from as little as $3 to more than $2000! This huge variation depends on
- Age of the chicken
- Breed type
- Your location
- Where you purchase from
- Purpose (egg-laying, meat, or show)
Let’s look at the typical costs by age
Baby Chicks
- Average cost: $3-$5 per chick
- Common breeds: Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpingtons
- Rare breeds: Can cost $15+ per chick
Pullets (Young Hens)
- Average cost: $15-$25 per pullet
- Age: 10-20 weeks old
- Advantage: Closer to egg-laying age
Adult Egg-Laying Hens
- Average cost: $20-$50 per hen
- Age: 5-6 months or older
- Benefit: Already producing eggs
Roosters
- Average cost: $5-$25 (often cheaper than hens)
- Note: Many urban areas prohibit roosters due to noise
Breeding Pairs
- Average cost: $50-$2,000+ depending on breed purity
- Premium breeds: Ayam Cemani can cost up to $5,000 per pair!
I remember when I first started, I bought 6 Rhode Island Red chicks at $4 each, thinking I was being economical. Little did I know those fluffy little peepers would soon have me investing in a whole chicken setup!
Chicken Breed Price Comparison
The breed you choose significantly impacts the cost. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Breed | Chick Price | Adult Hen Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Red | $3-$5 | $20-$30 | Excellent egg layers, budget-friendly |
| Buff Orpington | $3-$5 | $25-$35 | Friendly disposition, good layers |
| Leghorn | $3-$5 | $20-$30 | Prolific white egg layers |
| Silkie | $7-$15 | $30-$50 | Ornamental, friendly, poor egg layers |
| Ayam Cemani | $50-$100 | $1,000-$2,500 | Rare black meat breed, collectible |
Where to Buy Live Chickens
Where you purchase your chickens affects both price and quality:
1. Local Farm & Feed Stores
- Price range: $3-$10 per chick
- Pros: Can see chickens before buying, no shipping stress
- Cons: Limited selection, seasonal availability
2. Hatcheries (Online)
- Price range: $3-$15+ per chick, plus shipping
- Pros: Wide selection, specific breeds available
- Cons: Shipping stress, minimum orders often required (25+ chicks)
3. Local Breeders
- Price range: $5-$50+ depending on age/breed
- Pros: Can see parent stock, often healthier birds
- Cons: May be more expensive, limited availability
4. Agricultural Fairs/Poultry Shows
- Price range: $10-$100+ for show-quality birds
- Pros: High-quality stock, direct from breeders
- Cons: Higher prices, may need to travel
When I bought my first flock, I went to our local Tractor Supply during “Chick Days” in spring. The advantage was seeing the chicks in person, but the downside was they only had 3 breeds to choose from. Now I order from hatcheries when I want specific breeds.
Beyond the Bird: Total Startup Costs
The chicken itself is just the beginning! Here’s what you’ll need to invest in for a small backyard flock of 4-6 chickens:
Essential Startup Costs
1. Housing (Coop and Run)
- Basic starter coop: $250-$500
- DIY coop materials: $100-$400
- Fancy pre-made coop: $500-$4,000
- Run fencing and materials: $100-$300
2. Brooding Equipment (for baby chicks)
- Brooder box/container: $0-$50 (can use cardboard box)
- Heat lamp & bulb: $20-$50
- Thermometer: $5-$15
- Chick feeder & waterer: $10-$25
3. Adult Chicken Equipment
- Feeder: $15-$50
- Waterer: $15-$50
- Bedding (initial supply): $20-$30
- Nest boxes: $10-$50 (if not included with coop)
- Predator-proofing supplies: $50-$100
Total Startup Investment: $500-$1,000 for a basic setup
(Luxury setups can easily exceed $5,000!)
Ongoing Chicken Costs
The expenses don’t stop after setup. Here’s what to expect for monthly/yearly costs:
Monthly Expenses
- Feed: $15-$50 per month for 4-6 chickens
- 50lb bag costs $15-$50 (lasts a few weeks for small flock)
- Premium organic feed costs more
- Bedding: $5-$15 per month
- Treats/supplements: $5-$20 per month
Annual Expenses
- Healthcare: $50-$100 per year (preventative care)
- Coop maintenance: $25-$100 per year
- Unexpected vet costs: $0-$200+ (varies greatly)
We spent about $700 on our initial setup for 6 chickens, including a nice coop. Now we spend roughly $30 a month on feed and bedding. The fresh eggs make it worthwhile, even if they’re technically “expensive” eggs!
Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Is raising chickens for eggs economical? Let’s do some chicken math:
Costs for One Hen (First Year)
- Chick: $5
- Feed until laying age (22 weeks): $9.52
- Feed for 30 weeks of laying: $12.60
- Share of coop/equipment: $11.82
- Total first-year cost: $38.94
Egg Production
- Average 5 eggs per week for 30 weeks = 150 eggs
- 150 eggs = 12.5 dozen eggs
- Store-bought free-range eggs: $5/dozen
- Value of eggs produced: $62.50
First-year savings per hen: $23.56
This is just a rough estimate – your actual costs and savings will vary based on feed prices, egg production, and how much you currently pay for eggs. In my experience, you don’t raise chickens to save money – you do it for the incredible quality of truly fresh eggs and the joy of keeping these fascinating creatures!
Factors That Influence Chicken Costs
Several factors can dramatically affect how much you’ll pay:
1. Location
Feed costs vary significantly by region. Rural areas typically have lower prices than urban centers.
2. Season
Spring typically brings “chick season” with better availability and lower prices. Buying off-season can be more expensive.
3. Feed Quality
- Basic layer feed: $15-$20 per 50lb bag
- Organic feed: $30-$50 per 50lb bag
- Free-ranging reduces feed costs but increases predator risks
4. Housing Approach
DIY coops save money but require skills and time. Pre-made coops are convenient but pricier.
5. Flock Size
Larger flocks benefit from economies of scale for housing and bulk feed purchases.
Money-Saving Tips for Chicken Keepers
Based on my experience, here are some ways to reduce costs:
- Start with chicks rather than adult birds (if you have the time and patience)
- Choose productive, hardy breeds like Rhode Island Reds that lay well and resist illness
- Build your own coop using repurposed materials when possible
- Allow supervised free-ranging to reduce feed costs
- Grow fodder (sprouted grains) to supplement commercial feed
- Compost chicken manure to create garden fertilizer (saving on fertilizer costs)
- Buy feed in bulk and share with other chicken keepers
- Source free bedding like fallen leaves, pine needles, or shredded paper
Fancy Breeds vs. Production Breeds: Worth the Extra Cost?
If you’re tempted by those gorgeous Silkies or Polish chickens with their fancy feathers, consider this:
Production Breeds ($3-$5 per chick)
- Lay 250-300 eggs per year
- Hardy and disease-resistant
- Easy to find and replace
- Examples: Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, Sussex
Fancy/Ornamental Breeds ($7-$100+ per chick)
- Lay 100-150 eggs per year (or fewer)
- Often more delicate and prone to health issues
- Unique appearance and personality
- Examples: Silkies, Polish, Frizzles
I’ve kept both types and love them for different reasons. My production birds are workhorses that keep us in eggs, while my Silkies are like feathered pets that make me smile every day. Your choice depends on your primary goal!
Hidden Costs to Consider
Before you jump into chicken keeping, be aware of these potential hidden costs:
- Chicken health emergencies (vet visits can cost $50-$200+)
- Coop repairs after predator attempts
- Heat lamps or heaters for extreme cold climates
- Automation equipment like automatic doors ($100-$300)
- Vacation care when you’re away ($15-$25 per day for chicken sitter)
- Property damage from free-ranging chickens (my flower beds learned this the hard way!)
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
So, are live chickens worth the cost? After keeping chickens for years, here’s my honest assessment:
If you’re purely looking to save money on eggs, buying from the store is cheaper. However, if you value:
- Truly fresh, nutritious eggs with amazing flavor
- The joy of interacting with these fascinating creatures
- Teaching children about food sources and animal care
- Having a productive pet that also provides food
- The satisfaction of greater self-sufficiency
…then yes, chickens are absolutely worth it!
I’ve spent thousands on my flock over the years, but the joy they’ve brought my family and the incredible eggs we’ve enjoyed make it one of the best investments I’ve ever made.
Remember, chicken keeping is both a responsibility and an adventure. Start small, learn as you go, and enjoy the journey of becoming a chicken keeper!
Have you started your chicken keeping journey yet? What breeds are you considering for your backyard flock?
Q: What are the signs that a chicken is sick?
A: Look for lethargic behavior, reduced egg production, abnormal droppings, coughing, or sneezing.
Feed: $20 to $50 per month
Chickens require a balanced diet for optimal egg production. A 50lb bag of chicken feed can cost as little as $15 or $20, but many popular brands average $50. A 50lb bag should last a small flock for a few weeks.
How Much Does it Cost to Raise Chickens? Are Backyard Chickens Worth it? Full Chicken Cost Breakdown
FAQ
How much does a live chicken cost?
A live chicken can cost anywhere between $4 and more than $2,000. Price often depends on the chicken’s breed, age, and gender. Common chicken breeds tend to be the most affordable, with eggs and baby chicks being the least costly option. Rare breeds can be incredibly pricey, especially if you’re purchasing a pair of breeding adults.
How much does it cost to buy a chicken?
The cost of purchasing chickens depends on the age and type of bird. Baby chicks cost $2-$5 each. Pullets (young hens) are $10-$25 per bird. Point-of-laying hens cost $15-30. Mature laying hens cost $20-$50 each. Fancy varieties and rare breeds can cost over $50 per bird. Roosters are usually less expensive around $5-$10 each. TIP
How much does a baby chicken cost?
Depending on your geographical location, the rarity of the breed, chicken gender (females are more expensive than males), and age (the cost peaks at almost 21 weeks old), the price of a baby chicken would be anywhere between $5 and $9.
How much does it cost to keep chickens?
Altogether, the average cost of keeping backyard chickens ranges from $8-$20 per bird monthly after initial setup costs. The return on investment comes from having a supply of fresh eggs and meat. For most owners, the enjoyment of raising chickens outweighs the costs.
How much does it cost to breed a chicken?
But if you do intend to breed new flocks, you’ll also need the following: From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight. The cost of chickens varies, but on average, you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per chick.
How much do chicks cost?
On the low end, chicks will cost around $2 each from a local hatchery. Buying the same chicks from your local farm supply store or feed shop will likely bring them to the $4-$6 range. And really remote areas without great retail or delivery options may find them significantly marked up. Sometimes you can also find pullets.
How much does it cost to keep a chicken alive?
How much does a live chicken cost now?
| Product | Product subtotal | Product subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| Live chicken | Live chicken $25.00 $20.00/ea | Regular price $25.00 Sale price $20.00/ea |
How much does it cost to raise 10 chickens a month?
Feed and supplements
On average, each chicken consumes about 1/4 to 1/3 pounds of feed daily. This translates to roughly $2–$3 per chicken per month (depending on the type and brand of feed). For a small flock, expect to spend $15–$30 monthly on feed.
How much do full grown chickens sell for?