Every twelvemonth I depend forward to my local paper ’s vacation haiku contest . Its many ‘ success ’ see their poems published in the Christmas edition of theCourier - Journal . In 2014 , a mark sweep through to a mailbox mail stating “ Fresh Eggs ” inspired me to pass on this :
” Fresh Eggs ! ” shingles scan . Yoking to activism , Metro Cluckers mickle .
When we dictate our first flocks , do we pull in we are local - food for thought activists ? When I start , I just wanted protein from my backyard . Now , I ’m part of a web of people who provoke chickens to be a part of the local - nutrient drive . Chicken - keeping has originate into something bigger for me , just like the size of my flock .
Last year , I added to my initial plenty ( now draw close long time 5 ) anticipate skimpy testis years and eventual last . But 15 month after grade the babe , the original flock stay unaltered . Now , the chickens have the last laugh — I’ve been collecting seven eggs a twenty-four hours for nigh a workweek . Oops !
As we spring forward into the prolific egg season , I could very well see eight eggs every mean solar day . That ’s 56 eggs a week ! It ’s meter to start selling the teemingness .
Here are the four things I ’m considering before launch my ballock business :
1. Do local laws allow chicken keepers to sell backyard eggs?
Even if you ’re allowed to have chickens as a personal food beginning , check your state ’s laws about sell eggs . If you move beyond nonchalantly sell eggs to friends , family and neighbors , you ’ll likely ask to follow a few specific FDA guidelines regarding temperature , storage and food - safe labeling .
2. Who will buy my product?
Who are your neighbors ? Will they be willing to bear the price you ’ll necessitate ? You ’ll believably charge between $ 2.50 and $ 4 per dozen , depending on egg prices in your area and current market intensity , think of how many people are already selling eggs in your area . If your neighbour wo n’t corrupt them , market through friends on social medium can be an effective way to move your merchandise .
3. What are packaging and labeling costs?
publicity might be an unwanted cost , but in most places it ’s illegal to trade eggs from a re - used container . Why ? Washed orchis can allow bacteria from the previous container through the eggshells , pollute your product . And , yes , to sell them , you must wash your eggs .
A professional - looking recording label on your testis cartonful , complete with your link information , can help your customers spread the Son about your flock ’s redundant nut .
4. How can I educate people about the origins of their food?
Imagine a consumer switching from store - bought eggs to backyard fresh for the first clock time , opening a cartonful , and seeing blue , green and unlike shades of brown , all in varying size and shape . You wo n’t get deep selling this magical experience , but you will have an chance to step up to the dinner party home base as the local - food militant you are .
If you have too many egg like I ’m before long to have , selling them keeps the eggs from going to languish , it serve educate the biotic community about local food , and it can help you break even on feed or to make a pocket-size gain from your bounty .
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