Backyard chicken and feed store

Backyard chicken keepers, hobby farmers, homesteaders, 4-H and FFA families, and people starting their first flock.

Mostly repeat sales of feed, bedding and supplies, with seasonal spikes from live chick sales in spring. Coops and equipment bring higher-value one-off sales.

• Knowing poultry care and common health issues
• Retail basics and stock control
• Patient advice for beginners

• State and local rules on selling live poultry, including whether you must buy from hatcheries in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)
• Avian influenza restrictions that can limit bird sales or movement, so check your state's current rules
• Salmonella risk from live poultry, so check CDC guidance on handwashing signs and customer information
• Feed registration or licensing rules in some states, check with your state agriculture department
• Seasonal cash flow, as chick sales peak in spring and are slower in winter
• General liability insurance, a business license and sales tax registration, check your city, county and state

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on shop size, lease terms, opening stock, brooder and display equipment, and how many coops and supplies you carry. Your location will also affect the total.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $35,000 as an estimate, depending on your location, product range and customer base. Chick sales peak in spring and are slower in winter, so cash flow can be seasonal.

Check state and local rules on selling live poultry, including whether you must buy from National Poultry Improvement Plan hatcheries, and current avian influenza restrictions. Also check feed registration, CDC salmonella guidance, business licensing, sales tax and insurance.