Small Flock Fresh Eggs for Local Households

Households that want local, fresh or free-range eggs, plus regulars at farmers' markets or farm gate stands.

Price per dozen, with regular weekly customers. Some suppliers add extras such as larger boxes or seasonal subscriptions.

• Comfortable looking after animals daily
• Reliable routine, including weekends and winter
• Basic record keeping and customer service

• Canada's egg supply management system: check your provincial egg board for the flock size you can keep without quota and where you can sell
• Rules on selling ungraded eggs, which often limit sales to consumers directly, so check before selling to shops or cafes
• Municipal zoning and any home-based business licence
• Avian influenza and biosecurity rules, so check with the CFIA and your provincial agriculture ministry
• Winter egg slowdowns and heating or lighting costs
• Food safety, egg cleaning, cold storage and labelling rules in your province
• Liability insurance, since a standard home policy may not cover sales

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on flock size and your housing setup. Winter heating or lighting costs may add to this. Treat these figures as estimates and price your own setup before buying birds.

Check your provincial egg board for the flock size you can keep without quota and where you can sell. Also check rules on selling ungraded eggs, municipal zoning, avian influenza and biosecurity rules, and food safety and labelling rules in your province.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on flock size, prices and where you sell. Laying can slow in winter. Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week, including weekends, for daily care, collecting, cleaning and packing.