FarmerJamie - A new beginning

[freemotion]

I started at $2 per dozen a few years ago and my father did the math for me. I was startled to see that I was LOSING money! There is a reason why battery hens are in deplorable conditions.....money. I went to my customers and explained things and they didn't even blink. That is when that one customer offered even more, since she not only valued the good nutrition, she wanted to support the cruelty-free aspect even more.

Now I have to adjust for hawk and eagle predation. Stupid raptors. One more dead hen today and one still in isolation, hopefully healing. They NEVER take roosters! What is up with that!?!? Someone asked if I will put them in a covered pen to protect them. My answer was no. I would rather they have a shorter but deliriously happy life than a life of confinement. I am building another tractor for the young birds for while they are small.

 

[Wannabefree]

I'm bartering with the neighbors now, getting a sack of feed ever so often for 2 dozen eggs a week. I'm letting them set their own price this way They brought the first bag of feed today, and I just sent them the second dozen of eggs yesterday The girls aren't eating much feed right now, so some of it will be rotated and stored well for the cooler months.

 

[FarmerJamie]

Okay, I did a little research

Locally, eggs comparable to mine are selling for $1.50 / dozen, so my price is over-priced at $2.

The main-stream grocery stores are selling "cage-free" large brown eggs for $3.49. Anything I found over $4 was basically advertised as from "pampered" chickens - which folks claim my eggs are just as good.

I do let my customers know little things like, most of this dozen were laid yesterday, so I definitely tout the freshness. Something I point out you can't know for sure with store eggs.

$3 feels to me like it might be a little steep, but it may be my cheap country boy inside saying "there aren't any eggs worth that much"

$2.50 feels right, but I don't want to have to mess with change or trying to sell "even" number of dozens. I believe folks are loving the "laid this week" aspect of things.

This haggling over price is something I'm horrible at. Advice?

 

[ksalvagno]

I sell my eggs for $2 per dozen. There are so many people around me selling their eggs for $1 to $1.50 per dozen that I can't ask for a higher price. I really just sell to friends and family anyway.

 

[VickiLynn]

I'm getting $2.50/dozen for mine. Do customers usually buy more than one dozen at a time? What if you would continue selling them for $3 per dozen, but also offer two dozen for $5?.

 

[FarmerJamie]

Here are my producers...YOU LOOKIN' AT ME????!!!

 

[BarredBuff]

Nice BRs!

 

[FarmerJamie]

Day 1 of a week off from work.

1. Dug out the existing water feature in the flower bed next to the patio. Lots of help from the dog and the chickens.

2. Moved the chicken run fencing/netting to fresh grass.

3. Cleaned out 1/2 the coop.

4. Did a general once-over through the yard around the coop, cleaning up all the posts, electrical cords, etc from the winter.

5. Started re-organizing in the garage (12 bags of chick feed, getting the grill out, etc)

Breaking for a late lunch now.

 

[Wannabefree]

Day 1 of a week off from work.

1. Dug out the existing water feature in the flower bed next to the patio. Lots of help from the dog and the chickens.

2. Moved the chicken run fencing/netting to fresh grass.

3. Cleaned out 1/2 the coop.

4. Did a general once-over through the yard around the coop, cleaning up all the posts, electrical cords, etc from the winter.

5. Started re-organizing in the garage (12 bags of chick feed, getting the grill out, etc)

Breaking for a late lunch now.

That's it? That is ALL you have gotten done?!?! Just kidding me if ya wanna

Seriously... WAY TO GO BRO!

 

[glenolam]

Sounds good! Want to come to my house?