Pasture-raised eggs from a small flock

Neighbours and local households, farm gate and market customers, cafes and small grocers.

Selling eggs by the dozen at the farm gate, markets, local shops or through regular customer orders. Extra income can come from selling point-of-lay hens.

• Looking after poultry
• Routine daily care and record keeping
• Handling basic sales and customer orders

• Some states require egg producers to register or follow labelling and food safety rules above a certain flock size, so check your state authority
• Check whether you need a Property Identification Code (PIC) or similar registration
• Council zoning and planning limits on animals and farm gate sales
• Biosecurity risks such as avian influenza, so follow your state's guidance and keep wild birds away from the flock
• Foxes and other predators, plus daily care that makes it hard to take time away
• Public liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on flock size, coops, fencing, feed and insurance. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own property before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $1,800, depending on flock size, how many eggs you sell and your prices. These are estimates only, and daily care means at least about 10 hours a week.

Check whether your state requires egg producer registration, labelling or food safety rules above a certain flock size, and whether you need a Property Identification Code (PIC). Also check council zoning limits, avian influenza biosecurity guidance, and public and product liability insurance.