Keeping laying hens and selling eggs
Keep a small flock of laying hens and sell fresh eggs by the tray or dozen to neighbours, spazas and shops.
Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026
- Startup costR3 000 to R15 000
- First incomeabout 30 days
- Price evidenceR60 to R70 / tray of 30
- Commercial viability63 / 100
Who it suits
Reliable people with a safe yard, who can feed and clean every day and are allowed to keep chickens.
The customer and the problem
Typical customer: Neighbours, spazas, bakers and small shops.
Fresh local eggs.
Is there demand?
SA suppliers publish point-of-lay hens at about R98 to R155 each (Khumumi Poultry, Prices in South Africa), and a small poultry seller lists trays of 30 eggs at R60 (Khumumi Poultry). Feed is the main cost and changes often; check a feed store before you start.
- Gate and WhatsApp sales
- Supplying spazas and bakers
- Free-range eggs at markets
Getting customers
Neighbours first, then one or two shops.
Relies on: Word of mouth and referrals, Partnerships with other businesses, Responding to enquiries.
Money
- Revenue model: Price per tray or dozen.
- Price evidence: A small poultry seller lists trays of 30 at R60 (Khumumi Poultry). Laying rates and feed costs vary, so we do not model monthly income.
- Gross margin: Thin: feed is most of the cost, so count it carefully.
- Payment costs: Cash or QR.
- Operating costs: Feed, vaccines, water, bedding, trays.
- Recurring costs: Layer feed (the biggest cost), water, vaccines, bedding, egg trays.
Time to first income
Point-of-lay hens start laying within weeks; chicks take about five months.
Competition, risks and scale
Moderate; big producers set the shop price.
- Feed price rises squeeze margins
- Disease such as bird flu: buy from reputable suppliers and keep the coop clean
- Theft and predators: a lockable coop
Room to grow: Grows with more hens, if feed and space allow.
Legal and tax in South Africa
- Many municipalities limit how many chickens you may keep in a residential area and ban roosters; check your by-laws first.
- Keep birds clean and vaccinated, and never sell sick birds.
- Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).
How it fits South Africa: Strong in rural areas, townships and towns.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start keeping laying hens and selling eggs in South Africa?
Our research puts start-up costs at about R3 000 to R15 000. Recurring costs: Layer feed (the biggest cost), water, vaccines, bedding, egg trays.
How long until the first income?
Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 150 days. Point-of-lay hens start laying within weeks; chicks take about five months.
Can I do it with only a phone?
Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.
What about tax and legal rules?
Many municipalities limit how many chickens you may keep in a residential area and ban roosters; check your by-laws first. Keep birds clean and vaccinated, and never sell sick birds. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).
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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy