As the steward of four sweet but dimwitted birds who comprise the egg factory in my backyard, it’s not as cheap as you’d think. But with egg prices as high as a buck an egg in some places, it’s at least worth considering.

If egg prices and availability have you thinking of raising your own backyard chickens, know there is a mix of romanticism and realism with that idea.

I  have two growing boys currently consuming four dozen eggs per week, on average, plus a daughter who delights in baked goods. I headed to Roche Bros. supermarket in Acton midweek to replenish my supply and suffered sticker shock when I paid $7.

High egg prices at the grocery store have more people thinking about ways to save money. Raising your own chickens is one idea that's getting more popular.