EAST HELENA — Some Montanans are considering turning to backyard coops with egg prices expected to rise more than 20% in 2025, but having access to your own eggs can also come with a price tag.
Kim O’Brien, who has lived in East Helena for over 30 years, has 40 birds in her backyard coops and adds more almost every month.
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No slowdown means O’Brien receives at least a dozen eggs daily, sometimes more.
People looking to start their flock can expect to pay varying prices for chicks, especially when buying from a residential breeder like O’Brien.
“They can range anywhere from $5 a chick up to my most expensive — they’re $50 a chick, which is just as two-to-three-day old chicks,” said O'Brien.
Patrick Bowler, who owns Missoula-based PJ’s Feed Bin, regularly drives to the Helena area to fill the orders of approximately seven customers, ranging from residential to ranch clients.
Bowler provided insight into what those with smaller flocks of five to 10 birds can expect to spend per month on feed.
“Probably $54, and then if they wanted to add something like crack corn or I've started using raw oats with my own bird, I've got probably 50 birds between chickens and ducks”.
Add up all the expenses associated with starting a flock, and you can expect to spend between $200 and $2,500, depending on the number of birds you plan to keep.
For O’Brien, her birds mean more than farm fresh eggs and chicks to sell.
“I love my chickens. They’re all pets to me, not just utility animals.”
