Keep Chickens In A Recession: The 5 Reasons Why Chickens Are A Great Investment in 2023.
If you're worried about the future and looking for ways to prepare, you've likely started storing food and already started a small garden. The next logical step is to start a flock of chickens for eggs, then perhaps meat. Times can be tough during a recession and with the economic forecast for 2023 looking grim, now is the time to hone your skills and prepare. Let's explore some reasons why chickens might be best for you.
Why should someone raise chickens in a recession?
Raising chickens can be a good option for someone looking to save money on food during a recession.
Chickens can provide a source of fresh eggs and meat, which can be less expensive than buying these items from a store.
Raising chickens can be a rewarding hobby and can provide a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency.
Raising chickens can provide a sense of community and connection to others who are also interested in self-sufficient living.
Raising chickens can be a good way to teach children about the process of growing and raising food, which can be a valuable lesson during difficult economic times.
However, it's important to consider the costs and time commitments involved in raising chickens before making the decision to do so. Some of the expenses associated with raising chickens include purchasing equipment and supplies, such as a coop, feed, and bedding, and providing ongoing care, such as feeding and watering the chickens and cleaning the coop. It's also important to research and follow local laws and regulations regarding raising chickens in your area.
How much does it cost to raise one chicken through it's life?
The cost of raising a chicken through its life can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of chicken you are raising, the location where you are raising it, and the level of care you provide.
Some of the expenses that you may incur when raising a chicken include:
Purchasing the chickens: The cost of purchasing chickens can vary depending on the breed and where you buy them. Baby chicks may be less expensive than adult chickens, but they will require more care and attention as they grow.
Equipment and supplies: You will need to purchase or build a coop for your chickens to live in, as well as supplies such as feeders, waterers, and bedding. The cost of these items can vary, but you can expect to spend several hundred dollars or more.
Feed: Chickens will need a regular supply of feed, which can be purchased in bulk or as small amounts as needed. The cost of feed will depend on the type of feed you choose and how much you purchase at a time.
Vet care: Chickens may require occasional veterinary care, such as vaccinations or treatment for illnesses. The cost of vet care can vary depending on the type of care needed.
In general, you can expect to spend several hundred dollars or more over the lifetime of a single chicken. It's a good idea to research the specific costs associated with raising chickens in your area and to budget accordingly.
How much feed will a full grown chicken eat throughout the year?
The amount of feed that a full grown chicken will eat throughout the year will depend on a number of factors, including the type of chicken you are raising, its size and breed, and the conditions in which it is kept. In general, a full grown chicken will eat about 0.5 to 1 pound of feed per week, or around 4 to 8 pounds of feed per month. This means that a single chicken may consume between 48 and 96 pounds of feed per year, depending on the factors mentioned above.
It's important to note that the amount of feed a chicken needs can vary depending on the quality and nutritional content of the feed, as well as the chicken's age and activity level. Chickens that are laying eggs may require more feed than non-laying chickens, as egg production requires a lot of energy. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or poultry specialist to determine the specific feed requirements for your chickens.
Why Chickens?
They are part of the pantry. Chickens eat insects. How can this be a good idea? Chickens eat other critters such as mosquitoes, grasshoppers, other beetles, larvae, spiders, termites, mites, ants, worms, leeches, slugs, and snails. Sure they will eat dandelion greens and chive tops but for the most part, they are vegetarians and won't harm you with their regular meals. They also eat all the foods you'd normally feed them and then some. They eat more than 5,000 bugs a day (insects and other animals) at 1-2% of the weight of their body weight, don't demand a lot of care (they can lay a dozen eggs a day), can survive the cold weather and most predators. They are pretty self-sufficient, making little more than a cup of water from the salt in their diet. They're truly an "outside" animal.
Why Chickens and Not Other Animals?
First and foremost chickens are a very easy choice to keep and don't take up much space. They are easy to get started with and usually stay at a manageable size and increase slowly, you can feed them feed and get them moving, they breed at a rapid rate. While most would be terrified of some of these birds they are not very different from a pet bird with only a few that may attack you if they aren't properly raised and taught to be part of the family. The worst thing that can happen to a chicken is a simple accident. Unless you are chicken-friendly, they are much more enjoyable as pets, I promise. I know most people will scoff and say you will get the eggs but I know I have to feed them and clean the coop too.
Why Chickens Specifically?
Waste Not, Want Not You know that saying, "waste not want not"? Well, it applies to people as much as to things. In the period after a financial crisis, many people start to rethink and revamp their spending habits. Many people go back to basics: spending time with the family and enjoying more fresh food. By growing your own food you know exactly what goes into it, and you also know exactly where it comes from, a lot of people have discovered that they prefer their own products over anything from the supermarket, and really there's nothing quite like a homegrown burger. Food is the most basic human need and as such ought to be produced on an ethical basis. If a chicken is going to eat dirt, why should it eat more than that from your garden?
Conclusion
Not only are chickens a sound investment during a recession but they provide great benefits for a number of reasons.
Wanting to get back to basics? Learn where to get started here: Is it Easy to Keep Chickens?