On this page
Expect to spend roughly $400–500 upfront for six chickens (birds, brooder, coop, feeder and waterer) and about $35 a month after that, mostly feed. Six ducks cost more (around $49 a month), six quail less (around $21). Six laying hens produce about 30 eggs a week. Keep chickens for fresh eggs and enjoyment rather than to save money.
Backyard flock cost calculator
Change the numbers. Results update as you type.
Startup costs for six birds
Getting started is more than buying a few chicks. Here's a realistic setup budget for six birds, using mid-range new equipment. Used coops and DIY builds can cut the biggest line in half.
| Item | Chickens | Ducks | Quail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birds (6 chicks or keets) | $30 | $36 | $24 |
| Brooder setup (heat, tub, bedding) | $50 | $60 | $40 |
| Coop, run or pen | $300 | $350 | $200 |
| Feeder + waterer | $30 | $35 | $25 |
| Total | $410 | $481 | $289 |
Hatching your own? Add an incubator: from about $40 for a 12-egg starter to $400+ for a fully automatic model. See our stock-checked picks.
Monthly costs
Feed is about 60% of ongoing cost. Ducks eat more than chickens. Quail eat far less but need higher-protein game bird feed.
| Per month, 6 birds | Chickens | Ducks | Quail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed | $20 | $30 | $10 |
| Bedding / cleaning | $10 | $12 | $8 |
| Supplements / misc. | $5 | $7 | $3 |
| Total | $35 | $49 | $21 |
How many eggs will you get?
Once mature, birds lay steadily through spring and summer and slow down in winter as daylight shortens.
🐔 Six hens
About 30 eggs a week (5 per hen). Laying starts at 18–24 weeks.
🦆 Six ducks
24–30 eggs a week (4–5 per duck) from layer breeds. Laying starts at about 5–6 months.
🐦 Six quail
About 36 small eggs a week. It takes 4–5 quail eggs to equal one chicken egg. Laying starts at 6–8 weeks.
Want more eggs for the same feed? Compare layers in our breed comparison.
Ways to cut the cost
- Hatch your own. Fertile eggs are cheaper than started pullets, and a 12-egg incubator pays for itself after a couple of hatches. Start with our hatching guide.
- Buy feed in 50 lb bags and store it in a sealed metal can to stop waste and rodents.
- Use a treadle or covered feeder. Spilled and stolen feed adds up fast.
- Free-range when it's safe. Foraging can trim feed use noticeably in summer.
- Deep-litter bedding. Adding fresh bedding on top and composting it twice a year cuts bedding costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to raise chickens per month?
About $35 a month for six hens, or roughly $5–6 per bird. Feed is the biggest share, about $20, followed by bedding and occasional supplements. Costs rise in winter, when hens eat more and lay less.
Is it cheaper to raise chickens than buy eggs?
Usually not at first. Once the coop is paid for, six hens produce eggs for roughly $3–4 a dozen in feed and bedding, which is close to store prices. The value is freshness, knowing how the birds are kept, and pest control and compost for the garden.
Are quail cheaper to keep than chickens?
Yes, in money and space. Six quail cost about $21 a month and fit in a small hutch, and they start laying at 6–8 weeks. Their eggs are small, though, so you need 4–5 quail eggs to replace one chicken egg.
How much does a chicken coop cost?
A coop and run for six hens typically costs $250–600 new, depending on size and build quality. Plan on 3–4 square feet of coop floor and about 10 square feet of run space per standard-size hen.