Thinking of starting a backyard flock? Or wondering if your current hens are actually saving you money?
Whether you’re buying your first coop or scaling up to sell eggs at the gate, one thing is certain: the costs add up fast.
From £350 coops to £2.20 half-dozens in Tesco — every penny counts.
That’s why we built this free, no-fluff calculator for UK chicken keepers. In under 60 seconds, you’ll know:
Exact startup cost (coop, fencing, birds, feeders…) – Monthly running costs (feed, bedding, vet) – Yearly egg value vs. supermarket prices – Payback time if you sell eggs – Profit potential from honesty box sales
Enter your setup below and see your flock’s true cost — and reward.
Chicken Keeping Calculator 2025: Startup, Costs & Payback
Plan your flock from day one: startup costs, monthly running, egg savings, and payback time. UK-focused.
Step 1: Startup Costs
Total Startup Cost: £0.00
Essential Startup Supplies
Secure Chicken Coop
Predator-proof
Automatic Feeder
Reduces waste
Layer Pellets (20kg)
Balanced feed
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Step 2: Monthly Running Costs
Monthly Total
£0.00
Yearly Total
£0.00
Cost / Hen / Year
£0.00
Step 3: Egg Savings & Payback
Yearly Egg Value (shop)
£0.00
Yearly Profit (if selling)
£0.00
Payback Time
—
Selling & Honesty Box Supplies
Egg Cartons (30)
For gifting/selling
Farm Stall Sign
Attract customers
Locking Cash Box
Secure payments
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Predator Protection Guide
Top Threats
- • Foxes (day & night)
- • Rats (steal eggs/feed)
- • Badgers, crows, magpies
Prevention Tips
- • 1-inch welded mesh (not chicken wire)
- • Bury mesh 30cm or use apron
- • Auto coop door + strong locks
- • Clear hiding spots
Virus Disease Prevention
Key Risks
- • Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
- • Newcastle Disease
- • Marek’s, Coccidiosis
Prevention
- • Quarantine new birds 30 days
- • Disinfect boots & equipment
- • Limit wild bird contact
- • Vaccinate if high risk
UK Legal Requirements
Built for UK backyard farmers. Always verify local council rules and consult a vet.
Is Keeping Chickens Actually Worth It?
Let’s be honest: chickens aren’t a goldmine. But for most of us, they’re not about profit — they’re about fresh eggs, pest control, and joy.
But if you do want to break even (or make a little pocket money), here’s what the numbers say:
| Flock Size | Startup Cost | Yearly Running | Eggs/Year | Payback (selling @ £2.50/½ doz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 hens | ~£650 | ~£240 | ~1,680 | ~14 months |
| 12 hens | ~£1,100 | ~£420 | ~3,360 | ~11 months |
Based on average UK prices. Your results will vary — but now you can predict them.
Predator Proofing: Don’t Let Foxes Win
Foxes don’t care that you spent £400 on a coop. They see dinner.
One attack = total loss.
Must-Have Defences:
- 1-inch welded mesh (chicken wire is useless)
- 30cm buried skirt or concrete apron
- Automatic coop door (closes at dusk)
- Motion-activated lights
- Clear 3m buffer around the run
Pro tip: Foxes scout in daylight. If you see one at 2pm — lock up early.
Disease Risks: What Every Keeper Must Know
| Disease | Risk Level | Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avian Flu | High (outbreaks) | Sudden death, swollen head | Housing orders, wild bird netting |
| Marek’s | Common | Paralysis, tumours | Vaccinate day-old chicks |
| Coccidiosis | Very Common | Bloody droppings, lethargy | Medicated feed, clean litter |
| Worms | Moderate | Weight loss, pale comb | Regular worming (Flubenvet) |
Golden Rule: Quarantine new birds for 30 days. One sick hen can wipe out your flock.
UK Egg Selling Laws – Keep It Legal
| Scenario | Legal? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Honesty box at gate | YES | Label: “Farm Fresh Eggs” + your name/address. Clean cartons. |
| Selling to friends/neighbours | YES | Same as above. No license needed under 50 birds. |
| Selling to shops/cafés | NO (unless registered) | Must be a licensed egg packer. Not practical for smallholders. |
| 50+ birds | Must register | Free with APHA. Do it online in 5 mins. |
Most keepers sell 6–12 eggs at £2.50–£3.00 per half dozen via honesty boxes. Simple, legal, trusted.
Final Thought
Chickens aren’t just pets — they’re a lifestyle investment.
You’ll spend money. You’ll clean poo. You’ll wake up at 6am in the rain.
But you’ll also get:
- 30p eggs (vs. £2.20 in shops)
- Zero food waste (kitchen scraps = happy hens)
- The best alarm clock nature ever made
Use the calculator above. Plan smart. Enjoy the cluck.