Egg- splanation

the layer lair.

Our Raising Practices
Our 47 hens came to our farm as day old chicks back in June of 2012. I selected breeds that met the following criteria:
1) heat and cold tolerance: as our seasonal extremes go from 17 F to 110+ F. I have witnessed other birds, chosen without this concern, perish during hot or cold spells.
2)Good foraging habits: an inherent disposition to peck, scratch and forage their food/nutrient needs as opposed to breeding for docility to live in crowded, confined, and controlled environments. Our chickens have been living on grass and earth since the beginning , and we move them seasonally to insure they have access to fresh forage and so that a harmful buildup of manure does not occur.
 3) Final selection trait was great egg production but also desirable for meat: also known as "dual purpose." Training in permaculture has taught me to design with multi purpose intention and 4 years in the risky business of farming has taught me to be prepared with a plan B.

Upon arrival to our farm the flock have been fed certified organic "chicken feed" (organic grain and legume ration milled in Petaluma), organic veggies, bugs and forage on our certified organic farm make up the hens basic diet. I am heavily invested in their well being and personally see to their care daily. List of regular chores- changing the straw bedding in their coop, changing their water, feeding, observing their bodies and behavior for signs of health and/or stress and taking appropriate action when required. Moving fencing, opening and closing gates to allow them both protection and freedom. As well as other regular practices, like collecting and feeding them slugs and pincher bugs from fields they do not have access to (i.e our veggie beds in current production). With all that said, on average I spend about one hour working with them a day.  

Pricing
What does it cost per week to keep these 47 hens? The chickens eat about 75 lbs of purchased organic feed every week, plus about 40lbs of organic cracked corn and wheat, (some grown on our farm and some purchased.) the corn and wheat is fed to them in the cool evenings, giving them a "carb blanket" to keep them warm for the night. (the carbohydrate/protein content of these seeds helps to raise and maintain their body temp as they prepare for sub freezing night time temps).
Organic feed prices average close to $ .50/lb. 115 lbs x $.50/lb= $57.50/week.
Plus labor for weekly maintenance= $70 (7 hours @ $10/hour).
Plus cost of carton ($.30/each).
Plus labor of inspecting, washing and packing eggs by hand: avg. 6min per dozen. (6min @$10/hr=$1/dzn) Consider these costs and the average number of eggs collected per week: 21 dozen.


$57.50(feed)+$70(labor)+$21(packing labor)+$6(carton)=$154.50. that is the average cost I bear per week to raise these hens and sell their eggs. If I wish to recoup this cost on the 21 dozen eggs I can sell per week, what do I charge? $154.50/21= $7.35 per dozen.
 'hmmm.' What do I actually charge? So far, I have been asking $6.50/dozen. Uh Oh! that doesnt cover all my costs here. Why am I selling them below cost?
1) I had not yet made such a thorough cost analysis of egg production.
2) I thought the price would keep the eggs "affordable" and my costs would be covered
Ps I have refrained from including the start up cost ( near $1,000) of our egg production program. The 6 months of feed and labor to raise our hens to laying age, the cost of fuel and materials required to house, fence and maintain our fledgling flock. I accept these costs knowing that our farm receives great benefit from their living, foraging and pooping.

 'Whoowhee' if you read all that and are still with me I commend you for patience and understanding.
 I believe that the quality of our eggs reflects the high value deserved, and I will change my price to reflect the true value so that I may continue to raise hens in a "sustainable" fashion; ecologically, socially and financially. Furthermore, I intend to increase the number of our flock, so that the number of customers we can provide eggs to increases and the total cost of production may go down, thanks to the economies of scale, all while staying within my own manageable limits. True to Community Supported Agriculture and the interdependent relationship we share, I depend on you the eater, to choose our farm products with full knowledge of what your financial contribution goes towards; Long term benefits for the earth, animals, and people.
Thank You for reading and please direct any questions or comments to my email address: mooneymanna@gmail.com