Keeping Chickens: Fresh Eggs in Off-Grid Scenarios, Worth It?
Been tinkering with the idea of raising chickens as a reliable food source for an off-grid scenario. Can't beat fresh eggs, right? Probably beats rotating canned foods and MREs in the long-run.
In theory, it sounds like a win-win situation. You get a nearly constant supply of eggs (most breeds lay almost daily), and chickens can provide a bit of waste management by eating kitchen scraps as well as bugs and small pests around the property.
But I'm just wondering about the practicality. Is it worth the feed costs and space required? They're also susceptible to disease and predators, and there's the issue with winter months when laying may decrease. Plus, don’t forget about the cacophony when it’s roosting time or the potential conflict with local zoning laws.
I guess what I'm asking here is, what's your take on the cost vs benefit when it comes to keeping chickens for survival scenarios? Do the advantages outweigh the cons for those of you who are doing it? And any particular chicken breed recommendations for egg-laying efficiency and hardiness?
Looking forward to hearing some first-hand experiences and advice.
In theory, it sounds like a win-win situation. You get a nearly constant supply of eggs (most breeds lay almost daily), and chickens can provide a bit of waste management by eating kitchen scraps as well as bugs and small pests around the property.
But I'm just wondering about the practicality. Is it worth the feed costs and space required? They're also susceptible to disease and predators, and there's the issue with winter months when laying may decrease. Plus, don’t forget about the cacophony when it’s roosting time or the potential conflict with local zoning laws.
I guess what I'm asking here is, what's your take on the cost vs benefit when it comes to keeping chickens for survival scenarios? Do the advantages outweigh the cons for those of you who are doing it? And any particular chicken breed recommendations for egg-laying efficiency and hardiness?
Looking forward to hearing some first-hand experiences and advice.