I was quite the farmer when I was in high school. I raised chickens and livestock, only without the government subsidies. From my experience Andy, it looks like you're well on your way to raising some $10 per dozen eggs. Did I mention that I had a part time job after school to support my "farm" projects? In my senior year I got out of the farm business instead of subsidizing it with my job. Used the money to buy a '55 Chevy hotrod, . . . which is another story.

Basic Rhode Island Reds and Barred Plymouth Rock are good breeds for the purpose you describe. Avoid the exotic breeds; although some look cool, they are more demanding and produce less meat and eggs.

Sg, who has handled easily a quarter million chickens in his agribusiness days, and did he mention that he hates chickens?