Raising Egg-Laying Chickens

Our family strives for self-reliance, and raising egg-laying chickens is a key piece of our ever-expanding puzzle for several reasons:

Egg Production: Egg-laying chickens are a primary source of eggs (though duck eggs are in our future). Eggs are a valuable source of high-quality protein in many people's diets and are rich in essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Food Security: Raising egg layers provides a consistent and reliable source of food. It helps ensure our family and often other members in our community have access to a readily available and affordable source of nutrition.

Economic Benefits: Raising egg-laying chickens provides a source of income for our household in the warmer months. We sell (and donate) our surplus eggs to local families, which provides revenue for maintenance and the necessities for our chickens.

Sustainability: Raising chickens for egg production typically requires less feed, water, and space than other animals. They also have a smaller carbon footprint, making them a relatively environmentally friendly protein source.

Reduced Food Waste: This is a two-parter! Eggs have a longer shelf life compared to many other food products, meaning reduced food wastage and ensuring a longer-lasting source of nutrition. It also reduces food waste on the front end, as much of our household food waste, such as the bruised parts of fruit, the ends and stems of vegetables, and our leftover sourdough bread, can be fed to the chickens.

Local and Sustainable Agriculture: Raising chickens for egg production is local and sustainable, and we can ensure agricultural practices such as free-range and organic farming, healthier and more humane conditions for the chickens, and support for local, environmentally friendly food systems.

In summary, raising egg-laying chickens is important for our family's food security, nutrition, and sustainability, making these hens a valuable component of our family goal of self-reliance.