Many folks have considered putting chickens in their backyard to have fresh eggs, but have no idea whether the effort would be worth the investment. A couple in Pennsylvania have stepped in with a business called Rent the Chicken. They supply laying-age chickens, a coop, accessories, feed, and instructions from May to November.
“It really is a trial period for someone who wants to have chickens long term,” said “Homestead” Phil Thompkins, who runs Rent the Chicken with his wife, Jenn. “A lot of people don’t know where to start.”
Jenn Thompkins graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in business entrepreneurship, and the fledgling company serves residents of Armstrong, Butler and Indiana counties.
After watching friends struggle to learn what was involved in raising chickens for the eggs, they saw a need for a sort of starter-kit for other interested families.
They provided their first hen rental in July, and are spreading the word with a soft-opening of their business ahead of their grand opening next spring.
“I think it’s something a lot of people are into,” Thompkins said. “We’ve actually had a lot of positive feedback.”
After renting, the customer can opt to buy the chickens, send them back, or sign up to rent again next year. Link -via Arbroath