How Much Does a Laying Hen Cost? Purchase Price and Raising Costs Explained

What is the purchase price of a laying hen?

Before getting into laying hen farming, the first question that often arises is that of budget. The purchase price of a laying hen varies according to several criteria: breed, age, origin, and farming method. As a general rule, expect to pay between 5 and 15 euros per hen for a pullet ready to lay, aged 18 to 20 weeks. Rustic breeds such as the Gauloise Dorée or the Sussex tend to fall at the lower end of the range, while selected breeds or those from organic farming can exceed 12 euros per unit. Buying directly from a hatchery or a local farmer remains the most economical and reliable solution for getting started.

Installation and equipment costs for the henhouse

The initial investment is not limited to purchasing the animals. You also need to plan for the fitting out of a suitable living space. A quality henhouse for a small family or farm operation costs between 200 and 1,500 euros depending on the size and materials. Add to this the essential equipment: feeders, drinkers, nest boxes, and bedding. Budget an additional 50 to 150 euros for basic equipment. If you choose to build your own henhouse, you can significantly reduce this expense, provided you comply with animal welfare and biosecurity standards.

What budget should you plan for feed?

Feed represents the main recurring cost of laying hen farming. An adult hen consumes an average of 120 to 130 grams of complete feed per day. For a 25 kg bag of standard layer feed, expect to pay between 12 and 18 euros depending on quality and certification (conventional, labelled, organic). This represents a feed cost of approximately 1.50 to 2.50 euros per hen per month. By supplementing with kitchen scraps, garden herbs, or cereals produced on the farm, you can noticeably reduce this expense while enriching your hens' diet.

Veterinary and health costs to anticipate

Even for a small flock, health costs should not be overlooked. Budget for vaccination (Marek's disease, Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis), antiparasitic treatment, and occasional veterinary visits. On average, a budget of 2 to 5 euros per hen per year is sufficient for a well-managed and properly prevented flock. Keeping a farm register and observing your animals daily will allow you to quickly detect any health problem and avoid significant expenses.

Profitability: when does a hen pay back her cost?

A good laying hen produces between 250 and 300 eggs per year during her first two years of production. If you sell your eggs through direct farm sales at between 0.30 and 0.50 euros per egg, the return on investment is quick. Taking into account all costs (purchase, feed, bedding, health expenses), the cost price of a dozen eggs falls between 1.80 and 3 euros, leaving a comfortable margin for producers who market their production through short supply chains. The key to profitability remains rigorous flock management and good local marketing of your eggs.