Chickens??

Yes, chickens. Chickens were a very effective way of making a few extra cents during this time. Families would buy the chickens, raise them, pay for the feed, and their cage. The chickens would practically pay for themselves! With the money made by selling their fresh eggs, the family would be able to put a few extra rolls on the table, and feel a little more comfortable.

Chickens were also a great source for clothing. No, not just their feathers! The feed sacks could be sewn into almost anything! Dresses, socks, pants, shirts, blankets pillows...whatever your mind can think it, it can probably be made! This helped eliminate some of the cost of new clothing.

Everyone would help with the chickens. Children, boarders, grandparents...it was a fun way to get everyone involved in helping out with making-and saving-money! The chickens were very easy to manage. You just needed to give them a place to sleep, run, and food and water. The rewards outweighed all the expenses. With money coming in as it was going out, it was hard to even miss the money spent on the chickens!