Backyard flock egg sales to neighbors

Neighbors, coworkers, families and people who prefer local, pasture-raised eggs.

Price per dozen, often with weekly subscriptions or standing orders. Income depends on flock size and feed costs.

• Basic animal care
• Daily routine and reliability
• Simple record keeping

• Zoning, HOA and lease rules on keeping poultry, including flock size and rooster bans
• Your state's rules on selling eggs directly, such as labeling, cleaning, refrigeration and any registration or license
• Egg cartons that are reused may need to be relabeled, check your state's rules
• Predators, bird flu risk and biosecurity, check guidance from your state agriculture department
• Feed costs and hens laying less in winter can squeeze profit

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on flock size, housing and fencing. Ongoing feed costs matter too, and hens laying less in winter can squeeze profit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $100 to $600, depending on flock size, how many customers you find and the season. Feed costs and lower winter laying can reduce what you keep as profit.

Check zoning, HOA and lease rules on keeping poultry, including flock size and rooster bans. Also check your state's rules on direct egg sales, such as labeling, cleaning, refrigeration and any registration, plus rules on relabeling reused cartons.