Couple said they learned about franchise opportunity last year
Ed Roberson is on a mission to make it easier for residents to get farm-fresh eggs from their backyards.
He and his wife, Diane, are opening a “Rent The Chicken” location. Starting this month, the couple is delivering rental kits — complete with portable coop, laying hens, a season worth of feed, feeder and water container — to urban farmers who want to raise chickens.
“It’s a turnkey thing,” Roberson said.
The Katy-area couple also have owned a natural gas/propane chemical business for 10 years.
Customers can select either two or four chickens. At the end of the six-month rental period, they may either return the fowl to the Robersons — or elect to keep them.
“All you have to do it feed them, water them and they’ll lay eggs,” said Roberson, 57.
The rental cost for two hens, a coop, feed and other items is $400, including delivery and set up of the kit. The cost for four hens and the feed they need is $600.
He encourages clients to let the chickens out to roam around during the day.
Residents in cities and neighborhoods should check about any restrictions for keeping poultry at their homes. Cinco Ranch, for example, prohibits poultry on residential property.
Rent The Chicken offers free delivery within 50 miles of Katy. A small delivery fee will be charged for customers who are further away.
Roberson has a “Hatch the Chicken” program in which families, schools and day-care facilities can rent incubators.
Roberson discovered Rent The Chicken franchise opportunities while reading an article last year. The business was started by Phillip and Jenn Tompkins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2013.
“My husband and I had a little flock of our own,” Jenn Tompkins said.
She decided to use her entrepreneurial skills to show other people the advantages of having chickens.
“People really want to get back to their roots and know where their food is coming from,” Tompkins said. “And we have a solution for them. Our motto is: Families helping families to bring one food source closer to the table.” Test the waters
She said that by opting for a rental instead of buying chickens, customers get to test the waters and have access to support through the business.
“We are available for our renters,” she said. “We’re here to help them.”
The business has 20 locations around the United States. The Katy location is the only one in Texas so far.
Roberson wanted to get on board as soon as he discovered the enterprise.
“It’s a unique idea and a unique business plan,” he said. “You get farm-fresh eggs right in your own backyard. This is the ultimate farm-to-table movement.”
He said that raising chickens in the backyard ensures humane treatment.
“You know what they’re eating and that they have room to roam,” he said.
Once Roberson signed the contract to open his location, he started raising chickens on two acres he leased near his home.
“This is an agricultural adventure,” he said. “And just like with any adventure, things can go wrong.”
He had hoped to have chickens ready for rental by December, but his plans were foiled by a wily coyote that took out the whole flock.
“Our big thing was going to be chickens for Christmas,” Roberson said. “For the person who has everything, get a coop for Christmas. We had to start completely back to square one, but now we’re ready to go.”
He is just waiting for the chickens to be old enough to start laying before he delivers them. Fun family addition
Roberson said that chickens make a fun addition to the family.
“They’re entertaining,” he said. “Everyone of them has a personality all their own.”
He said that the hens typically spark some interesting stories.
“Think of the conversations you can have at the Little League games,” he said. “It’s worth trying just for the experience. You’ll be the only one on the street with chickens.”
Roberson said offering up a dozen fresh eggs is a good way to make new friends, and he is enjoying paving the way for people to enjoy raising their own chickens.
“We’re having a blast,” he said.