Chicken Math: Here’s How to Actually Do It
Understanding the Calculation
The Basic Formula for Chicken Math
– Multiply the number of chickens by the number of eggs they lay per day
– Divide the total number of eggs by the number of eggs you consume per week
– Subtract the number of eggs you eat from the total number of eggs produced to determine how many surplus eggs you have
– Divide the number of surplus eggs by 7 to determine how many dozens of eggs you have
– Divide the total number of chickens by the number of chickens you plan to consume per year
– Multiply the number of dozens of eggs by the price per dozen to determine the potential savings
Chicken math may seem like a complicated concept, but it’s actually a simple calculation that can help you determine the potential savings of raising backyard chickens. By understanding this calculation, you can make informed decisions about the number of chickens you want to keep and how many eggs they will produce.
Understanding the Calculation
The basic formula for chicken math involves multiplying the number of chickens by the number of eggs they lay per day, dividing the total number of eggs by the number of eggs you consume per week, subtracting the number of eggs you eat from the total number of eggs produced to determine how many surplus eggs you have, dividing the number of surplus eggs by 7 to determine how many dozens of eggs you have, dividing the total number of chickens by the number of chickens you plan to consume per year, and finally, multiplying the number of dozens of eggs by the price per dozen to determine the potential savings.
Let’s break down each step of the calculation:
1. Multiply the number of chickens by the number of eggs they lay per day:
This step allows you to determine the total number of eggs your chickens will produce each day. For example, if you have 4 chickens that lay 2 eggs each day, you would multiply 4 by 2 to get a total of 8 eggs per day.
2. Divide the total number of eggs by the number of eggs you consume per week:
This step helps you figure out how many eggs you and your family consume in a week. For example, if you consume 14 eggs per week, you would divide the total number of eggs (8) by the number of eggs you consume (14) to get a result of 0.57.
3. Subtract the number of eggs you eat from the total number of eggs produced to determine how many surplus eggs you have:
This step allows you to determine how many surplus eggs you have available for other uses, such as selling or giving away to friends and neighbors. Using the example above, you would subtract the number of eggs you consume (14) from the total number of eggs produced (8), resulting in a surplus of -6 eggs.
4. Divide the number of surplus eggs by 7 to determine how many dozens of eggs you have:
To have a better understanding of your surplus eggs, divide the number of surplus eggs (-6) by 7 to determine how many dozens of eggs you have. In this case, you would have approximately -0.86 dozens of eggs.
5. Divide the total number of chickens by the number of chickens you plan to consume per year:
If you plan to consume some of your chickens each year, you need to determine how many chickens you will keep for meat. For example, if you have a total of 8 chickens and plan to consume 2 chickens per year, you would divide 8 by 2 to get a result of 4.
6. Multiply the number of dozens of eggs by the price per dozen to determine the potential savings:
If you plan to sell your surplus eggs, you can calculate your potential savings by multiplying the number of dozens of eggs by the price per dozen. For example, if you have -0.86 dozens of eggs (as calculated in step 4) and the price per dozen is $4, you would multiply -0.86 by $4 to determine a potential savings of -$3.44.
My 2 Cents
Chicken math can be a useful tool for anyone considering raising backyard chickens. By understanding the calculations involved, you can estimate the number of eggs your chickens will produce, determine your surplus eggs, and even calculate the potential savings if you plan to sell them.
Keep in mind that chicken math is just an estimate and actual results may vary. Factors such as the health and breed of your chickens, their diet, and their living conditions can all impact egg production. Additionally, market prices for eggs may fluctuate, so it’s important to keep that in mind when calculating potential savings.
Overall, chicken math is a fun and informative way to gauge the benefits of raising chickens. Whether you’re looking to save money, have a sustainable food source, or simply enjoy the company of these feathered friends, chicken math can help you make informed decisions and maximize the benefits of raising backyard chickens.
