Can You Make Money Selling Eggs? Winter 2022/2023 Analysis

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We hope this analysis will help anyone looking to sell eggs. Let us know if you have questions.

[@TheCowEmporium]

When it comes down to it, having chickens and selling eggs is a labour of love. ✅ So much of the cost is in the infrastructure and if it already present then that’s awesome. My mother in law just told me that I need to be selling our eggs for more. LOL. Our cost is way less because we grow the majority of our feed. Great video Rich, 🌺

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Growing our own food would sure change the equation. You're right about getting the infrastructure set up. That can be a large number to start. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@mickelsonfamilyhomestead]

Rich I think this video will BLOW UP I love the break down of everything I think $5 is plenty fair for a DZ of eggs. We went to Aldis last week they were $4 and Walmarts were $6 but yet again even tho aldis may be cheaper they don’t get the love most homesteaders chickens do! We only have about 12 chickens now and they barely lay but we already knew that was gonna happen plan to get more in spring! I wish feed cost weren’t so high back in 2018-2019 when we had 200 chickens we were doing good with eggs but that many chickens and feeding them just wasn’t profitable for us.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I never knew you had that many chickens. It would be interesting to have that many. I guess I'd need another building (or buildings). If you ever want to look at numbers, etc., let me know. Have a great week!

[@mickelsonfamilyhomestead]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm lol yes at one point I have a video of all them coming out of the coop I’ll have to post a short one day of them! Lol

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@mickelsonfamilyhomestead I'd love to see that. I've seen 60 hens running at me. I can't imagine 200. That would be cool Kelli!

[@mickelsonfamilyhomestead]

Also just realized I put BLOW OUT not BLOW UP lol fixed 🤣

[@forced4motorsports]

Where on earth were you buying the feed? You should have been going through about ~50 lbs a day if not free ranging on fresh grass rotationally. Bulk price should have been ~$12/50lbs. Even at retail that is only ~$35 on the high side for organic. 200 birds, ~160 eggs per day, ~13 dozen is $65. That's 30 profit unless you are still factoring in infrastructure, which doesn't sound like it. It may not have been profitable, but it would have been worth it to keep going given demand would just go up exponentially. It also helps your community by ensuring a local food supply chain.

[@DawnRaeB]

Thank you for this information! My plan wasn't to have 17 hens (oops! haha). Since I had so many extra eggs, I shared them at work for $2 a dozen. In the late summer, that was paying for my weekly bag of feed. I was very happy with that (glad to share with co-workers, many of whom make minimum wage). However.... as I learn how much I like chickens (with this first flock), I do daydream about expanding and increasing my egg sales with people outside of my coworkers and making a little extra money on the side.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Don't undersell your eggs. I know you're trying to help people but you need to make a profit to pay for the next batch of chicks, new waterer, etc. You've got a lot of costs other than the feed. Cover your costs and plan for future expenses. It's so fun to watch you and your hens! Cheers Dawn!

[@MeditationParadiseLand]

Wonderful my friend ❤️💕🥰🌹

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! We appreciate your support!

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

Great break down on your expenses... We just started selling our eggs for $6 the grocery store farm fresh eggs are $8. Our chickens slowed down on eggs for a couple of weeks but they are now in full production. 🥚

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

That is great! I'd love to move to $6 but I'll wait just a bit. I'm glad you're in full production. Your customers will love all the extra eggs that are available! Cheers Barb!

[@BlandsPromisedLandRanch]

Great video with really good information. Especially like the breakdown you gave per week. We don’t really sell our eggs because we’re such a big fam! Thanks for doing this! ~M

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

With the size of your family, I bet you go through a LOT of eggs on a weekly basis. Thanks for watching and commenting Monica! Cheers!

[@growingahomestead7666]

Great video and get information

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Cheers!

[@melissaorona2834]

You produce some of my favorite videos regarding raising laying hens in a clean healthy environment. Thank you for the honest breakdown. Outside of Chicago, our flock of 9 hens (3 barred rock + 3 black australorp + 3 olive eggers) is laying about 4 eggs per day over winter. The australorps & barred rocks are still laying about 1/2 of what they lay in warm weather. The olive eggers are taking the winter off, for the most part, which is just fine if they need to use their energies to stay warm instead. I calculate our expenses at about $10 - $12 per week. We're getting, wintertime, about 2 1/2 dozen eggs per week (double that in spring, summer, fall weather). So it looks like we're right on par with your cost/benefit ratio. Nicely done, sir.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Keep measuring and seeing how you can refine your costs. You might be able to add a few more hens without driving your costs up. At the least, if you can cover all your costs (and a bit more), you're ready to use a few dollars each week to invest in future chicks (or infrastructure upgrades). Thanks for the kind words, Melissa! Cheers!

[@MtnGrandma]

I think you should raise your price to $6 given the costs and the rise in egg price at the store. Farm fresh eggs are expected to be more expensive not less expensive than the store. They’re worth the price for sure. Great breakdown thank you for this! 😊❤

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're setting the groundwork to move to $6. It'll happen soon. Thanks for watching Tammy!

[@YogiHollowFarm]

Great analysis as always friend. $6 a bale for straw? Holy cow that is so cheap! I bought bales of straw in June and paid over $10 a bale! That’s why we don’t use it as often as we would like. Great job!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I think we've paid $6 per bale for a couple years. Maybe there are more bales out here and we can have them cheaper. Thanks for watching Lisa!

[@juanisgarden5356]

Great analysis of your profits! I paid $7.59 for 18 eggs at Walmart. I keep telling my husband that we need to get our chickens now!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Tell hubby that you need some chickens. You get tastier eggs, compost for your garden.....win-win! Cheers Juani!

[@juanisgarden5356]

So true!!

[@goforit8]

Wow diseases, feed prices, good video on educating us on the true cost! But the gals are priceless anyway!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You are correct - the hens are priceless! Thanks for watching, commenting and for your support! Cheers!

[@LittleFrenchyinBigTexas]

As you say, not big money but pays for itself and help you grow.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It's another piece in the puzzle for the Farm to pay for itself! Thanks for stopping by Anne!

[@MayfieldRanch]

Rich this is great info! I need to look at our chicken expenses. I think I’m losing money on the deal. I was debating getting a license for 2023. I probably have not been pricing them appropriately. Thanks for sharing! -Cady

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Run your numbers so you can set your pricing accordingly. We look at the numbers several times each year to make sure we're profitable. Let me know what you find, or if I can help. Cheers Cady!

[@LytonaKirtz]

Super video. Very informative. I don’t use or eat a lot of eggs but I’d sure wish I could get farm eggs. I’m sure I’d eat more.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Farm fresh eggs taste nothing like the store eggs. They are so much better! Thanks for watching Tani!!

[@LytonaKirtz]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I totally agree. I think that is why I don’t eat many eggs.

[@jamiescountryliving]

Wow! Thank you for breaking it down. I'm sure it's going to help a lot of people out there. Thank you very much.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I never knew this stuff before we started. That's why we shot the video. At least it's one look at costs and pricing. I also hope it helps someone. Cheers Jamie!

[@pinesedgefarm1155]

Great explanation of the cost of necessary feed and supplies. So many people have no idea what it takes to get the products to their table, but they sure can complain about the prices. If one thing goes up everything has to follow. Hope all is well your way.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It is amazing how little the public knows about the costs associated with producing food. Amazing! Every one of our customers seems to understand the costs, the work and the quality of the product. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@kriscookin1]

Hi Rich, like the way you broke it down for us. The stores around here are just about 5.00 a dozen now.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I saw $5.88/dozen for medium eggs. My customers are getting a great deal. I'm glad this helped you. I need to complete this analysis every three months to make sure we're still profitable. Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@SteadfastTrailFarm]

Thanks!!! We are setting up a system here in each pasture.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Let us know if we can help. We're here if you need it. Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@MadAcreFarms]

Great analysis! We are still figuring this out on our farm. We have established our price point was far too low for selling with the cost of feed. The trouble we run into is other vendors selling for less which puts us in a pinch. We have decided to raise our prices and see what happens this year and likely dial back as an add in for our CSA. It is great you guys deliver! The cost breakdown didn’t make sense on our farm to do that just yet but maybe in the future. Take care!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Price your eggs how they should be priced. There will always be a lower priced person. I don't sell on price. I sell on perfectly cleaned, protected, high-quality, free range eggs. I've seen the eggs from the lower priced folks. Dirty eggs in cardboard holders (from stores). People know what they are getting from us and have a great relationship with us. If I said $6, no one would blink. Let us know if we can help or if you ever want to bounce ideas off someone. Have a great week!

[@MadAcreFarms]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm appreciate that! Thank you!

[@pamanderson1417]

Thanks for another great video! Would you share with us which breeds of hens are working best for you? Also, are those lovely grey hens Sapphire Gem? Where do you get the plastic egg boxes? Thank you for all the great topics you cover!

[@dougroberts3643]

My wife bought our plastic egg containers at Dollar Tree. They are awesome

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're working out a list of our best breeds. We need to buy some more hens in the spring. My gut says Barred Plymouth Rock but I need to discuss with Holly. I have a video review of the plastic containers. I believe they were from Dollar Tree. Let me know if you can't find the video. Cheers Pam!

[@Homestead.Dreamer]

Wow, between the bird flu and cost of feed and other supplies, no wonder eggs have gone up so much. Thanks for this, very informative 👍🏼

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Feed alone is up 25% (and it was up a bit more for a while). Everything is going up and it's good to track your expenses. We'll get you into chickens as soon as we can get you out to the country!! Cheers Melissa!

[@BargainPastime__Canada]

Thanks for sharing! I always love eggs directly from the farm! Fresh! I'm following your channel for more videos! Great job!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Farm fresh eggs are awesome! We love them from our hens!! Thanks for following us! We appreciate the support!

[@ArielleViking]

Great video Rich, a very useful profit especially during winter when production is less and costs are more. 👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Costs are more in the winter without our hens free ranging. It'll be better with summer (if it ever comes)! Thanks for watching!

[@TheNakidGardeners]

Great information. Was thinking about doing something similar to see if we are making or losing money on our girls.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Run your numbers and let us know what you find. It's always good to compare how we're all doing. Cheers!

[@MarkKratzMC]

I never had enough to sell, although I did barter with my neighbors, who had a garden. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

However you can find value int he extra eggs, it all helps! We used eggs and produce to trade for an 1/8 of a cow! It all helps! Cheers Mark!

[@beesandseeds]

Whoa straw is cheap there. It cost me $16.00 for a bale of straw. Loved this video. Breaking down the expenses and income is so helpful for people interested in getting chickens. You didn’t include the pest control they provide in addition to the compost making going on. 😊

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Wow! $16 for a bale?! I think there are a few things I hadn't included. Not sure how I'd quantify the savings from pest control (and compost making). If you've got ideas, let me know. Thanks for watching Lisa! Cheers!

[@TiltedKHomestead]

Thanks that should give us a idea of our costs moving forward. We did pre-order our layer and meat birds for this year, the layers and the first batch of meat birds arrive 6 weeks after we get down to our homestead. things are moving fast now! LOL it took me till halfway through your video to realize that it a mirror and not a doorway i thought you had two x-mas trees. Take care and stay warm

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We have two trees and it is a doorway. One is in our living room (where I was) and one is in my office. It does look like a mirror! It'll be fun to watch your birds arrive and see them develop! Cheers!

[@TiltedKHomestead]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm awesome!

[@georgemcintyre-mi7jg]

I never heard about the beans but I have learned that chickens can lay eggs until they until they die

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Most will lay for a long time. We've got ISA Browns. They will lay about 300 eggs per year for two years and then stop. They can really outlive their egg production. We're all about egg production so we're looking for heavy laying versus laying for a long time.

[@georgemcintyre-mi7jg]

I don't know where you live but you got to watch selling eggs the department of agriculture department of agriculture step in

[@schammond8993]

Here in NW Georgia non-organic eggs run $4 to $6. Organic $5/6ish to$7. Depends on where you shop. We sell locally for $5.00 a dozen. I feed a non gmo soy free feed. I don't claim organic but try to stay middle of the road. Mostly to offer a healthy product and stay in my budget. Good video. I don't think most folks realize what it takes to raise livestock or to run a farm.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Most people don't have a clue what goes into raising chickens for eggs, or other animals. It's always fun to have friends out to the Farm and listen to their questions. Thanks for watching and stay in touch! Cheers!

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

Another amazing vidoe Mr Rich!! I see now why things go so well, a huge attention to detail!! We are in a egg crisis here around my area, everyone is going out buying chickens 🤦🤦 The wife and I just don't eat enough to justify the obligation, but if I can ever talk her into moving to the farm, we sure will!! Amazing g attention to detail again, and broke things down perfectly!!! I think infrastructure is a huge part when starting out, that some don't realize!! Thank you my friend for bringing us along!! Look fed to seeing what's next!! I watched the winter wonderland, but I don't think I commented, I will head that way soon!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸😁😁😁👍👍👍👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! You are correct about infrastructure. You need to start with a good foundation and then your business can grow. If you ever get into chickens, you know where to come for any help you need. You can also send others, if they have questions. Thanks for your support!

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm 👍👍👍😁😁😁😁

[@HomesteadOnAPrayer]

Thank you for this info! We’ll be expanding our small flock from 6 to 12 girls in the spring, so I may have some extra eggs to sell. Even though we are on a much smaller scale, this is helpful to see!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Going to 12 will give you enough eggs to sell a few dozen each week. You'll be able to cover your costs each week and have free eggs for yourself! Thanks for watching!

[@rhondaredeemedprodigal]

Hello 👋. That tree is beautiful 😍. You always have great information and explaining things really well.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I didn't realize that there was a rooster on the tree directly behind me! It's our "bird tree." The other tree has regular Christmas ornaments on it. Thanks for watching Rhonda!

[@lisakeskey]

What do you feed your chickens? Do you do anything to keep food costs down to make profit on selling eggs?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We feed our hens Purina Layer Feed. They have always had this (after their chick feed). During the summer, they are out free ranging, so they feed less. We also give them snacks from the garden. Money for feed drops in the summer. All that savings goes into profit. Let me know if that answered your question. Cheers!

[@MegaKg9]

Hi have you made the summer analysis would be intrested to watch thanks

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I will work on the summer numbers for you. Thanks for a great idea.

[@jenniexfuller]

You may consider switching your feed to increase egg laying. Many on you tube have said that the purina brands are what many who had unusual decreased (or no) egg laying were using. It’s very interesting. I’m not sure that it was definitely linked to that brand, but it sure seemed as though that was the common denominator. Do your research and make your own informed choice. We feed organic feed since my husband, his cousin, Mom, grandmother, and grandfather had cancer and we have no qualms with Purina (they’ve certainly fed many of our long living pets).

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I don't believe a lot of the hype about the "feed issue" over the winter. Our hens have always eaten Purina Layer Crumbles and have laid all winter here in MN. Never had an issue. If someone had broken their flock into two groups, in two similar coops, and fed them two different foods, then I would've believed the results. There was no scientific data, just mid-winter hearsay, etc. I'm going to stick with the Purina that my hens eat and gives us results. Thanks for watching and commenting Jennie!

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

At $5 a dozen, with exchange rate, you're less than what we pay here in Victoria. And yours are way better quality. As someone who doesn't have chickens, yet, this is great information. We'll definitely refer to this in the future. So many other benefits that can't be quantified, compost for garden, nutrient density, and mental + physical health:) Cheers

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You're right about the other benefits. The compost is awesome and the mental health if great too! Thanks for watching. If we can help you get into chickens, let us know. Cheers!

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm thanks Rich. Definitely will, just a matter of time :)

[@kimlittleton72]

Where do you get the plastic egg cartons? I hope your customers return those and you give them a discount? Thanks for sharing about your experience!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6ere2WIm7ZrfpY Our customers return them each week. They return them when they get their next dozen. It's part of the process for our route and customers understand they are not theirs to keep. So far everyone has been great. We've used these for four years. They make us look professional (versus the people who sell eggs in used cardboard cartons). Hope this helps.

[@Glunxy]

Really enjoyed this video and look forward to watching some more. Do you have an email that listeners can use to contact you?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We will put out a new video with new pricing, etc. To contact us, use [e-mail]

[@juanisgarden5356]

Update on the price of eggs......... drum roll..... $9.89 for 18 count!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Oh my. I haven't seen that high here but I haven't looked at the 18-packs. Cheers Juani!

[@dougroberts3643]

A video about chicken eggs and I bet you didn't even realize that you had a rooster right by your side throughout the entire video. He's hanging on the tree next to your right ear. I had to have some fun with that.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Ha! I hadn't seen that. That front tree is our "bird tree." I forgot about the rooster. Thanks for pointing that out and for watching! Cheers Doug!

[@ArielleViking]

Big eggs and real farm eggs like that would be around $10 a dozen here.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Wow! All our eggs are Large (or better). Some are XL or Jumbo. We keep the smaller ones for us!

[@OldPecanHomestead]

Great video! We haven't sold eggs just yet, but that definitely sounds accurate. My parents have 60+ chickens, but my dad is so picky about selling them(wanting a fridge and perfectly matching egg cartons, etc...) Do you clean and refrigerate or sell them as is?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We cannot clean them in MN without an actual egg washing machine. I'm not going to spend that kind of money. Nothing is cleaned on our eggs but I will not sell an egg that has dirt, etc. on it. I'm out to the coop many times a day to make sure all the eggs are in great shape. Nothing cleaned, nothing refrigerated. Perfect eggs for our customers!

[@OldPecanHomestead]

@TheOldSwedesFarm I will have to tell him that, that's exactly what we planned to do, and I told him most people would probably prefer the bloom left because they last longer.

[@davidoutdoors74]

Wow 5$ , Here in upstate ny maybe $3.00 a dozen

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We've got people who are selling for $3 here too. I know what my eggs are worth. I know what is involved in the production (food, infrastructure, etc.). If you believe it, you can tell the story and others will be fine with the price. We have people beating down our door for eggs, and some have asked us why we don't charge more! Look at your costs and what you really need to get to make a little money. Tell your story and see who wants them. Believe in the value and the quality of your eggs!!! Cheers!

[@knowone-sts2263]

Anybody who raises chickens without growing their own feed is lost. Chickens eat almost anything so grow your feed yourself and enjoy REAL profits. Purslane,amaranth,moringa,katuk, soldier flies, maggot bucket, compost worms.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

With all the other things going on with our Farm, we just don't have the time. Our growing season is only four months long, so that adds to the challenge. Great idea though!

[@TexasHomesteaders]

I sell mine for $5 a dozen as well. We break even.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If you can break even, hopefully that means you can pay for your expenses and have free eggs for you. If you've ever got questions about shaving cost off, to turn to a profit, drop us a note. Have a great week!

[@YogiHollowFarm]

$10 a dozen here now someone just told me. Can you believe that? For crap eggs in the store

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

What?! Yikes! That's robbery!

[@farkleberry471]

I think $5 for fresh eggs is reasonable!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It is very reasonable for our customers. Feed costs really are the driver. Cheers!

[@sandysack8113]

I'm charging a range from 2.25 to 3.00. I was charging 5.00 but people were not buying. But I don't make much of a profit if I sell them at 2.25 but I get them out the door. I have given them to a food pantry when I couldn't find buyers. Asking for recommendations on how and where to sell. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

First, you need to believe that your eggs are worth $5 a dozen. If you accept $2.25 or $3.00, then that's all they are worth. Our eggs are clean from the nest, free range, no chemicals, etc. We sell incredible eggs and our customers understand that. If they want $2.25 eggs, they can get the nasty eggs from the store! We got word out to people about our hens (at work, with friends, neighbors, Facebook, etc.). People came to us for eggs. We had more demand than eggs. You need to get word out about your great eggs. You need to make sure you have processes in place for clean eggs (no washing them) and high quality eggs. Put them in the plastic containers and they look incredible. Our customers love them and people are always on our wait list. Hope this helps. Let us know how we can help you. Cheers Sandy!

[@martasinclair9735]

What kind of chickens lay big xtra large eggs? 😊

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks. The ISA Browns will lay Large, and sometimes XL eggs. We're not keeping the Reds due to their attitude. Almost everything we get is a Large and we probably get six XL. I think these are mostly from the Rocks. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions. Cheers!

[@timessquare9704]

Are the ‘retired’ chickens then slaughtered for food?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They don't really have a lot of meat on them. They are slowing down in production so we sell them to people who might not need 5-6 eggs per week. That way we don't need to kill any hens and someone else gets a chicken that is still laying. Take care!

[@fishingwithvinny8369]

If I start on this business how do I sale the eggs ? Thank You

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

First check your state rules and laws. Then start finding customers. Make sure you have clean, fresh eggs. We have a video about "How To Collect & Clean Farm Fresh Eggs." Maybe this will help too. If I can help you more, let us know. Maybe you have an idea for something I can film to help. Cheers!

[@georgemcintyre-mi7jg]

Chickens gonna lay all year round I know that one chicken can lay all year round yeah chicken can lay eggs all year round if you do it right chicken can lay eggs until they die

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If you keep the food good, and lots of light, you'll have eggs all year 'round. Cheers George!

[@Long9incher]

CHARGING TOO LOW!!! You can charge $7 EASILY

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We may go to $6 soon due to rising costs. Thanks for stopping by, watching and commenting!