Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Grocery store eggs on islands are old and expensive due to shipping
• •Fresh local eggs with orange yolks are visibly superior product
• •Small island community creates loyal repeat customer base
• •Limited agricultural land means less competition for egg producers
• •Tourist vacation rentals create additional customer base beyond residents

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Check local zoning for poultry regulations

   • •Many areas have restrictions on number of birds, rooster bans, or required setbacks
   • •Violating zoning can force you to give up your flock
   • •Understanding rules upfront prevents expensive mistakes
2. 2
   Start with 6-12 hens to learn before scaling

   • •Small flocks teach you the basics without overwhelming investment
   • •You'll make mistakes—better with 10 birds than 100
   • •Once you have systems down, scaling is straightforward
3. 3
   Invest in predator-proof housing and fencing

   • •Predators (raccoons, coyotes, hawks, eagles) will find your chickens—it's not if, it's when
   • •One predator attack can wipe out your entire flock overnight
   • •Good protection is cheaper than replacing birds and losing customers
4. 4
   Understand seasonal laying patterns and flock management

   • •Hens lay less in winter (short days) and during molt—plan for seasonal variation
   • •Customers expect consistent supply—you need enough birds to cover low periods
   • •Flock management (adding new birds, retiring old ones) keeps production steady

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Build your own coop from recycled materials and pallets
• •Supplement feed with kitchen scraps and garden waste
• •Let chickens free-range when supervised to reduce feed costs
• •Collect egg cartons from customers for reuse
• •Raise your own replacement pullets from hatching eggs

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Chickens don't lay until 5-6 months old—upfront investment before any revenue
• •Egg sales are steady weekly income once established
• •Winter production drops but feed costs remain constant
• •Pullet purchases in spring mean cash outlay before additional production

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Diversify ages in your flock so some birds are always in peak production
• •Have backup heat source for extreme cold snaps
• •Build relationships with multiple feed suppliers for backup
• •Keep some savings for unexpected vet bills or flock replacement
• •Quarantine new birds before introducing to existing flock
• •Document your operations for potential organic or animal welfare certification

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Grocery store eggs on islands are old and expensive due to shipping
• •Fresh local eggs with orange yolks are visibly superior product
• •Small island community creates loyal repeat customer base
• •Limited agricultural land means less competition for egg producers
• •Tourist vacation rentals create additional customer base beyond residents

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Check local zoning for poultry regulations

   • •Many areas have restrictions on number of birds, rooster bans, or required setbacks
   • •Violating zoning can force you to give up your flock
   • •Understanding rules upfront prevents expensive mistakes
2. 2
   Start with 6-12 hens to learn before scaling

   • •Small flocks teach you the basics without overwhelming investment
   • •You'll make mistakes—better with 10 birds than 100
   • •Once you have systems down, scaling is straightforward
3. 3
   Invest in predator-proof housing and fencing

   • •Predators (raccoons, coyotes, hawks, eagles) will find your chickens—it's not if, it's when
   • •One predator attack can wipe out your entire flock overnight
   • •Good protection is cheaper than replacing birds and losing customers
4. 4
   Understand seasonal laying patterns and flock management

   • •Hens lay less in winter (short days) and during molt—plan for seasonal variation
   • •Customers expect consistent supply—you need enough birds to cover low periods
   • •Flock management (adding new birds, retiring old ones) keeps production steady

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Build your own coop from recycled materials and pallets
• •Supplement feed with kitchen scraps and garden waste
• •Let chickens free-range when supervised to reduce feed costs
• •Collect egg cartons from customers for reuse
• •Raise your own replacement pullets from hatching eggs

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Chickens don't lay until 5-6 months old—upfront investment before any revenue
• •Egg sales are steady weekly income once established
• •Winter production drops but feed costs remain constant
• •Pullet purchases in spring mean cash outlay before additional production

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Diversify ages in your flock so some birds are always in peak production
• •Have backup heat source for extreme cold snaps
• •Build relationships with multiple feed suppliers for backup
• •Keep some savings for unexpected vet bills or flock replacement
• •Quarantine new birds before introducing to existing flock
• •Document your operations for potential organic or animal welfare certification