Are Backyard Eggs Cheaper Than Store-Bought in 2026?

Quick Answer

Backyard eggs typically cost between $3 to $8 per dozen when accounting for feed, housing, and care, making them comparable to or slightly more expensive than conventional store eggs but cheaper than premium organic eggs. The financial equation shifts dramatically based on flock size, coop investment, and whether you value the lifestyle benefits beyond pure cost savings. Most backyard chicken keepers break even or save money only after 2-3 years, and only when compared against organic or pasture-raised store prices.

Key Takeaways

Startup costs for a basic backyard chicken setup range from $500 to $2,000, including coop, feeders, and initial birds
Annual feed costs average $15-$25 per chicken, with layer feed being the largest recurring expense
A healthy hen lays approximately 4-6 eggs per week during peak production, declining with age and season
Backyard eggs cost $3-$8 per dozen when all expenses are factored in, depending on flock size and setup
Hidden costs include veterinary care, predator protection, bedding, supplements, and coop maintenance
Financial break-even typically occurs in year 2-3 for small flocks, faster for larger operations
Backyard eggs compete best with organic and pasture-raised store eggs ($6-$9/dozen), not conventional eggs ($2-$4/dozen)
Winter months see reduced or stopped egg production in most breeds without supplemental lighting
Chickens are not purely an economic decision for most keepers; lifestyle and quality factors matter significantly
Common calculation mistakes include ignoring startup amortization, seasonal production drops, and time investment

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What Are the Startup Costs for Keeping Backyard Chickens?

The initial investment for backyard chickens ranges from $500 to $2,000 depending on coop quality, flock size, and whether you build or buy. This upfront cost is the biggest barrier to immediate savings and must be amortized over several years to understand true egg costs.

Essential startup expenses include:

Coop and run: $300-$1,500 (pre-built coops cost more; DIY builds using reclaimed materials can reduce this significantly)
Chickens: $3-$30 per bird (chicks are cheaper; started pullets cost more but lay sooner)
Feeders and waterers: $30-$80 for quality equipment that minimizes waste
Initial feed and bedding: $50-$100 to get started
Fencing and predator protection: $100-$300 for hardware cloth, locks, and secure perimeter
Heat lamp (if starting with chicks): $20-$40
Miscellaneous supplies: $50-$100 for nesting boxes, roosts, first-aid kit

Choose a smaller initial flock (3-4 hens) if your primary goal is testing whether backyard eggs work for your household before scaling up. Larger flocks (6-10 hens) spread fixed costs across more eggs but require more space and management.

A common mistake is buying the cheapest coop available, which often needs replacement or major repairs within 2-3 years. Investing in weather-resistant construction with proper ventilation and predator protection saves money long-term.

How Much Does It Cost to Raise Backyard Chickens Per Year?

Annual costs for backyard chickens average $200-$400 for a small flock of 4-6 hens, with feed representing 60-70% of recurring expenses. This translates to roughly $35-$70 per hen per year, though economies of scale improve with larger flocks.

Yearly expense breakdown:

Feed: $180-$300 (layer feed at $15-$25 per 50-lb bag; one hen eats approximately 1.5 lbs per week)
Bedding: $50-$100 (pine shavings, straw, or sand for coop and nesting boxes)
Health supplies: $30-$80 (grit, oyster shell, occasional medications, supplements)
Treats and scratch: $20-$50 (optional but common among chicken keepers)
Utilities: $10-$30 (water, supplemental heat or light in winter)
Maintenance and repairs: $50-$150 (coop repairs, replacement equipment)
Unexpected veterinary care: $0-$200+ (highly variable; many keepers never see a vet, others face significant bills)

If you free-range your chickens and they forage for a significant portion of their diet, feed costs can drop by 20-30%. However, this requires adequate space, safe ranging areas, and acceptance of slower growth and potentially fewer eggs during winter.

The biggest variable is whether you encounter health problems. A single vet visit for a sick hen can cost $100-$300, potentially wiping out a year’s worth of egg savings. Most backyard keepers handle minor issues themselves and make difficult decisions about expensive treatments.

How Many Eggs Do Backyard Chickens Lay Per Week?

A healthy hen in her prime (first 2 years) lays 4-6 eggs per week on average, though this varies significantly by breed, season, and individual bird. This means a flock of 4 hens typically produces 16-24 eggs weekly during peak season, or roughly 2-3 dozen per week.

Factors affecting egg production:

Breed: High-production breeds (Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, ISA Browns) lay 5-6 eggs weekly; heritage breeds often lay 3-4
Age: Peak production occurs in year 1-2, declining 10-20% annually thereafter
Season: Most hens lay heavily spring through fall, then slow or stop in winter without supplemental light
Daylight: Hens need 14-16 hours of light daily for consistent laying; natural winter daylight (8-10 hours) triggers a break
Nutrition: Quality layer feed with 16-18% protein and calcium supplementation maintains production
Stress: Predator pressure, overcrowding, illness, or flock disruption reduces laying

A realistic annual estimate for a backyard hen is 200-280 eggs per year, not the 300+ eggs advertised for commercial breeds under ideal conditions. This accounts for seasonal slowdowns, molting periods, and the natural decline as hens age.

Many keepers experience “egg glut” in spring and summer (more eggs than they can use) followed by scarcity in winter. This seasonality makes direct cost comparison with store eggs tricky since you can’t simply buy fewer chickens for winter.

Are Backyard Eggs Really Cheaper Than Buying Organic Eggs at the Store?

Backyard eggs compete favorably with organic and pasture-raised store eggs ($6-$9 per dozen in 2026) but rarely beat conventional eggs ($2-$4 per dozen) on pure cost. For a flock of 4-6 hens producing 800-1,200 eggs annually, backyard eggs cost approximately $3-$5 per dozen after year one, making them cheaper than premium store options.

Cost comparison by egg type (2026 prices):

Conventional store eggs: $2-$4/dozen
Cage-free store eggs: $4-$6/dozen
Organic store eggs: $6-$8/dozen
Pasture-raised store eggs: $7-$9/dozen
Backyard eggs (year 1, including startup): $8-$15/dozen
Backyard eggs (year 2+): $3-$5/dozen

The calculation changes dramatically when you amortize startup costs. If you spend $1,000 on initial setup and your flock produces 1,000 eggs in year one, that’s $1 per egg just for the coop, before feed and care. By year three, that same coop cost adds only $0.33 per egg if production remains steady.

You’ll save money compared to organic eggs if:

You maintain a flock of at least 4-6 productive hens
Your coop lasts 5+ years without major replacement
You keep chickens for at least 3 years
You compare against the premium eggs you’d actually buy (not the cheapest conventional option)
You minimize veterinary expenses through preventive care

You won’t save money if you’re currently buying the cheapest conventional eggs, experience frequent flock losses to predators or disease, or need to replace your coop within 2-3 years.

Are Backyard Eggs Really Cheaper Than Buying Organic Eggs at the Store?

Backyard Chickens vs Store Bought Eggs: Complete Cost Breakdown

Here’s a detailed cost analysis comparing backyard eggs to store purchases over a three-year period for a family consuming one dozen eggs weekly (52 dozen annually).

Three-year backyard chicken costs (4-hen flock):

Year	Startup	Feed	Bedding	Health	Maintenance	Total	Eggs Produced	Cost/Dozen
1	$1,000	$240	$75	$50	$50	$1,415	800 (67 doz)	$21.12
2	$0	$240	$75	$50	$100	$465	800 (67 doz)	$6.94
3	$0	$240	$75	$50	$75	$440	750 (63 doz)	$6.98
3-yr total						$2,320	197 doz	$11.78/doz

Three-year store egg costs (52 dozen annually):

Conventional eggs ($3/dozen average): $468/year × 3 = $1,404 total
Organic eggs ($7/dozen average): $1,092/year × 3 = $3,276 total
Pasture-raised eggs ($8/dozen average): $1,248/year × 3 = $3,744 total

The verdict: Over three years, backyard eggs cost more than conventional store eggs but significantly less than organic or pasture-raised options. The savings increase in years 4-5 as startup costs are fully amortized and only recurring expenses remain.

This analysis assumes no major disasters (predator wipes out flock, coop destroyed in storm) and that hens maintain reasonable production. Real-world results vary widely based on management skill and luck.

What Hidden Costs Come With Raising Backyard Chickens?

Beyond feed and housing, backyard chickens incur numerous small expenses that collectively add $100-$300 annually and are often overlooked in initial calculations. These hidden costs can turn an apparently profitable venture into a break-even or money-losing hobby.

Commonly forgotten expenses:

Time investment: 15-30 minutes daily for feeding, watering, egg collection, and coop maintenance (not a dollar cost, but valuable)
Bedding replacement: Deep litter method reduces frequency but still requires 4-6 cleanouts yearly
Predator losses: Replacing hens killed by raccoons, hawks, foxes, or dogs ($15-$30 per replacement bird)
Seasonal supplements: Mealworms, calcium, probiotics, and winter heating can add $50-$100 yearly
Water system winterization: Heated waterers or daily ice-breaking in cold climates
Permit and licensing fees: Some municipalities charge annual fees for backyard poultry ($25-$100)
Vacation care: Paying someone to tend your flock while traveling ($15-$25 per day)
Egg cartons: If you give away or sell extras, cartons cost $0.20-$0.40 each
Pest control: Dealing with rats, mice, and flies attracted to feed and manure

The biggest hidden cost is time. Even with efficient systems, chickens require daily attention. At 20 minutes per day, that’s 122 hours annually. If you value your time at even $15/hour, that’s $1,830 in labor, far exceeding any egg savings.

Most chicken keepers don’t view this as a cost because they enjoy the activity, but it’s worth acknowledging that backyard eggs are only “cheaper” if you assign zero value to your time and labor.

Do Backyard Eggs Save Money in the Long Run?

Backyard eggs save money long-term only when compared to premium store eggs (organic, pasture-raised) and only if your flock remains productive for 4+ years with minimal losses. For families currently buying conventional eggs, backyard chickens rarely generate net savings even over five years.

Long-term savings scenarios:

Scenario A: Premium egg buyer

Currently spends: $7/dozen × 52 dozen = $364/year
Backyard cost (years 2-5 average): $450/year ÷ 65 dozen = $6.92/dozen
Annual savings: Minimal ($5-$50/year) but eggs are fresher and you control diet

Scenario B: Conventional egg buyer

Currently spends: $3/dozen × 52 dozen = $156/year
Backyard cost (years 2-5 average): $450/year
Annual loss: $294/year compared to store eggs

Scenario C: Large flock (8-10 hens) with egg sales

Produces 130-150 dozen/year
Family uses 52 dozen, sells 80 dozen at $5 each = $400 revenue
Annual costs: $650
Net cost: $250 for 52 dozen consumed = $4.80/dozen (competitive with organic)

The math improves significantly if you sell surplus eggs to neighbors, coworkers, or at farmers markets. Even casual sales of 3-4 dozen monthly at $5-$6 per dozen can offset 50-75% of feed costs.

You’ll achieve long-term savings if:

You maintain flock health and minimize losses
Your coop remains functional for 7-10 years
You compare against the premium eggs you’d otherwise buy
You value the non-financial benefits (fresh eggs, food security, education, entertainment)
You sell or barter surplus eggs

You won’t save money if you’re replacing conventional store eggs, experience frequent predator losses, or need to rebuild your coop every few years.

How Much Does Chicken Feed Cost Per Month?

Chicken feed costs $15-$35 per month for a small flock of 4-6 hens, depending on feed quality, local prices, and whether you supplement with kitchen scraps or forage. A 50-pound bag of layer feed ($15-$25) lasts approximately 4-6 weeks for four hens.

Feed consumption breakdown:

Average hen consumption: 1.5 lbs of feed per week (0.25 lbs daily)
Four-hen flock: 6 lbs per week = 24-26 lbs per month
Monthly cost: One 50-lb bag ($15-$25) feeds four hens for 7-8 weeks, so roughly $8-$12 per month per four hens

Feed cost variables:

Organic feed: 50-100% more expensive ($30-$50 per 50-lb bag) but necessary if you want truly organic eggs
Soy-free or specialty diets: Premium feeds cost $35-$50 per bag
Scratch grains and treats: Add $5-$15 monthly if you supplement heavily (not recommended as primary diet)
Seasonal variations: Hens eat 10-15% more in winter to maintain body heat
Free-ranging: Can reduce feed consumption by 20-30% if pasture quality is good

To minimize feed costs:

Buy in bulk when feed goes on sale (store in rodent-proof metal containers)
Use a treadle feeder to prevent waste and rodent access
Supplement with kitchen scraps (vegetables, fruits, grains, not meat or processed foods)
Allow supervised free-ranging for natural foraging
Avoid cheap feed with excessive filler; quality feed produces more eggs per pound

Feed is your largest recurring expense, so small optimizations here compound significantly over years. However, don’t sacrifice nutrition for cost savings, poor diet leads to fewer eggs and health problems that cost more to fix.

What Time of Year Do Chickens Stop Laying Eggs?

Most backyard chickens reduce or stop laying during late fall and winter (November through February in northern climates) when natural daylight drops below 14 hours daily. This seasonal break is a natural response to shorter days and allows hens to rest and regrow feathers during their annual molt.

Seasonal laying patterns:

Spring (March-May): Peak production resumes; hens lay 5-6 eggs weekly
Summer (June-August): Consistent production; heat stress may cause brief slowdowns
Fall (September-November): Production remains good early fall, then drops as days shorten; molting begins
Winter (December-February): Minimal to no eggs without supplemental lighting; hens rest

Factors affecting winter laying:

Daylight hours: Hens need 14-16 hours of light to maintain production
Breed: Some breeds (Leghorns, ISA Browns) are more winter-hardy layers than others
Age: First-year pullets often lay through their first winter; older hens stop more reliably
Supplemental lighting: Adding a timer-controlled light to provide 14-16 hours of “daylight” maintains winter production
Nutrition: Increased protein and calories support laying in cold weather

Should you use supplemental lighting? This is controversial among backyard chicken keepers. Artificial light maintains egg production but prevents the natural rest period, potentially shortening a hen’s productive lifespan. Many keepers accept the winter break as natural and healthy, while others prioritize year-round eggs.

If you want consistent eggs year-round, plan for a larger flock so that even with reduced winter production, you still get enough eggs. Alternatively, preserve spring/summer surplus by freezing, pickling, or water-glassing eggs for winter use.

This seasonal variation makes direct cost comparison with store eggs difficult, you can’t simply “buy fewer chickens” for winter, so you’re paying to maintain a flock that produces little or nothing for 3-4 months.

Is It Worth Getting Chickens Just to Save Money on Eggs?

Getting chickens solely to save money on eggs is rarely worthwhile unless you’re currently buying premium organic or pasture-raised eggs and plan to keep chickens for 5+ years. The financial case is weak for conventional egg buyers, and the time investment, learning curve, and risk of losses make chickens a poor purely economic decision.

Chickens make financial sense if:

You’re already spending $6-$9 per dozen on premium eggs
You have space, time, and genuine interest in animal husbandry
You plan to keep chickens for at least 5 years to amortize startup costs
You can sell or give away surplus eggs
You value the non-financial benefits (food security, education, entertainment, garden fertilizer)

Chickens don’t make financial sense if:

You’re currently buying conventional eggs at $2-$4 per dozen
You’re looking for a quick return on investment (break-even takes 2-3 years minimum)
You lack time for daily care or problem-solving
Local regulations, HOA rules, or landlord restrictions create legal risks
You travel frequently and lack reliable chicken-sitters

The real value proposition for most backyard chicken keepers isn’t financial, it’s the combination of fresher eggs, control over chicken diet and living conditions, educational opportunities for children, garden benefits from manure, and the simple enjoyment of keeping animals.

Chickens produce rich compost, pest control (they eat ticks and bugs), and entertainment value that’s hard to quantify. Many keepers say they’d continue even if eggs were free at the store.

A better question: “Are chickens worth it for the lifestyle and quality benefits, with modest egg savings as a bonus?” For most people, the answer is yes. “Are chickens worth it purely to save money?” For most people, no.

Common Mistakes People Make When Calculating Backyard Egg Costs

New chicken keepers consistently underestimate true costs by 40-60% due to several common calculation errors. These mistakes lead to disappointment when backyard eggs don’t deliver the expected savings.

Top calculation mistakes:

Ignoring startup cost amortization: Treating the coop as a “one-time” expense rather than spreading it across expected years of use
Assuming 300 eggs per hen annually: Using commercial production numbers instead of realistic backyard yields (200-250 eggs)
Forgetting winter production drops: Calculating as if hens lay consistently year-round
Excluding time value: Not accounting for daily care, even if you enjoy it
Underestimating mortality: Assuming all hens survive multiple years when predators, disease, and accidents take a toll
Comparing to wrong store price: Comparing backyard eggs to conventional store eggs when you’d actually buy organic
Omitting hidden costs: Forgetting bedding, supplements, treats, maintenance, and replacement equipment
Not planning for declining production: Failing to account for 10-20% annual production decrease as hens age
Overlooking local feed prices: Using national averages when local feed costs vary by 30-50%
Ignoring opportunity cost: Not considering what else you could do with the $1,000+ startup investment

A realistic calculation includes:

Total startup costs ÷ expected years of use (typically 5-7 years for a quality coop)
Annual feed, bedding, health, and maintenance costs
Realistic egg production (200-250 per hen in year 1-2, declining thereafter)
Replacement costs for hens lost to predators or illness
Seasonal production variations (winter drop-off)
Comparison to the type of eggs you’d actually purchase

Example honest calculation (4-hen flock, 5-year horizon):

Startup: $1,000 ÷ 5 years = $200/year
Annual recurring: $400/year
Total annual cost: $600
Eggs produced: 850 in year 1, declining to 600 by year 5 (average 725/year = 60 dozen)
Cost per dozen: $10 (year 1) declining to $6.50 (year 5), averaging $8/dozen over five years

This is competitive with premium organic eggs ($7-$9/dozen) but not conventional eggs ($3-$4/dozen).

Are Backyard Eggs Cheaper If You Only Have a Few Chickens?

Small flocks (2-3 hens) produce the most expensive backyard eggs because fixed costs (coop, equipment, time) are spread across fewer eggs. A minimum of 4-6 hens is needed to achieve reasonable per-dozen costs, while flocks of 8-12 hens offer the best economics for families who can use or sell the extra eggs.

Cost comparison by flock size:

2-3 hens:

Annual cost: $350-$450 (fixed costs remain similar to larger flocks)
Eggs produced: 400-600 annually (33-50 dozen)
Cost per dozen: $7-$13.50
Verdict: Most expensive per egg; only worthwhile for very small households or if you highly value the experience

4-6 hens:

Annual cost: $450-$600
Eggs produced: 800-1,200 annually (67-100 dozen)
Cost per dozen: $4.50-$9
Verdict: Competitive with organic eggs; good balance for most families

8-12 hens:

Annual cost: $650-$900
Eggs produced: 1,600-2,400 annually (133-200 dozen)
Cost per dozen: $3.25-$6.75
Verdict: Best economics if you can use/sell surplus; approaches conventional egg prices

Economies of scale work in your favor because the coop, feeders, waterers, and daily time investment don’t increase proportionally with flock size. A coop that houses 4 hens can often accommodate 6-8 with minor modifications.

However, larger flocks bring challenges:

More eggs than a typical family can consume (need to sell or preserve surplus)
Greater feed and bedding costs
Higher risk of disease spread
More complex flock dynamics and potential bullying
May exceed local ordinance limits (many cities cap backyard flocks at 4-6 hens)

The sweet spot for most backyard keepers is 4-6 hens: enough to spread fixed costs and maintain production during molts or seasonal slowdowns, but not so many that you’re overwhelmed with surplus eggs.

Cheaper Alternatives to Raising Your Own Chickens for Eggs

If your goal is simply to access high-quality eggs at lower cost, several alternatives to backyard chickens offer better economics with less time investment and risk.

Cost-effective alternatives:

1. Egg CSA or farm subscription

Cost: $4-$6 per dozen for local farm eggs
Pros: Fresh, high-quality eggs; supports local farms; no time investment
Cons: Still more expensive than conventional store eggs; dependent on farm availability

2. Buying directly from backyard chicken keepers

Cost: $3-$5 per dozen (neighbors often sell surplus cheaply)
Pros: Very fresh, local eggs; builds community connections
Cons: Inconsistent availability; seasonal gaps

3. Farmers market eggs

Cost: $5-$7 per dozen
Pros: Fresh, often organic or pasture-raised; supports local economy
Cons: Weekly shopping trip required; premium pricing

4. Bulk buying store eggs on sale

Cost: $2-$4 per dozen for conventional; $4-$6 for organic on sale
Pros: Cheapest option; no time investment; consistent availability
Cons: Eggs may be several weeks old; no control over chicken welfare

5. Egg co-op or group buy

Cost: $3-$5 per dozen when buying 5-10 dozen at once from local farms
Pros: Significant savings on premium eggs; supports local farms
Cons: Requires freezer space or preservation; coordination with other buyers

6. Quail instead of chickens

Cost: Lower startup ($200-$400); smaller space requirement
Pros: Faster maturity (6-8 weeks to laying); quieter than chickens; allowed in more urban areas
Cons: Smaller eggs (4-5 quail eggs = 1 chicken egg); shorter lifespan; less familiar to most people

For pure cost savings without the lifestyle component, buying directly from local backyard chicken keepers or joining an egg CSA delivers fresh, high-quality eggs at $3-$6 per dozen with zero time investment or startup costs.

For the experience and control over egg quality, chicken welfare, and food production, backyard chickens remain the best option despite higher costs.

Do Backyard Eggs Actually Pay for Themselves?

Backyard eggs pay for themselves only under specific conditions: comparing against premium store eggs, maintaining a healthy flock for 4+ years, keeping at least 4-6 productive hens, and either valuing your time at zero or genuinely enjoying chicken care as a hobby. For most keepers, chickens break even or generate modest savings after year 2-3, but rarely deliver significant financial returns.

Break-even timeline:

Year 1: Net loss of $800-$1,200 (startup costs dominate)
Year 2: Net loss of $100-$300 or break-even (compared to organic eggs)
Year 3+: Net savings of $100-$400 annually (compared to organic eggs)

Five-year cumulative outcome:

vs. Conventional store eggs: Net loss of $500-$1,000
vs. Organic store eggs: Net savings of $200-$800
vs. Pasture-raised store eggs: Net savings of $600-$1,400

Chickens “pay for themselves” in non-financial ways:

Compost production: 4-6 hens generate 50-100 lbs of nitrogen-rich manure annually (worth $30-$60 as fertilizer)
Pest control: Free-ranging chickens reduce ticks, beetles, and garden pests
Food waste reduction: Chickens consume vegetable scraps, reducing trash and composting needs
Educational value: Hands-on learning about food production, animal care, and responsibility
Entertainment: Many keepers find chickens relaxing and amusing to watch
Food security: Eggs continue during supply chain disruptions or price spikes

The honest answer: If you define “pay for themselves” strictly as financial ROI, chickens rarely do so for small backyard flocks compared to conventional store eggs. If you include quality-of-life benefits, control over food production, and comparison to premium eggs, chickens deliver value that exceeds their cost for most keepers.

Most successful chicken keepers view their flock as a lifestyle choice that happens to offset some grocery costs, not as a money-making venture. The eggs are a bonus, not the sole justification.

Conclusion

Are backyard eggs cheaper than store-bought? The answer depends entirely on what you’re comparing them to and how you value your time. Backyard eggs cost $3-$8 per dozen after the first year, making them competitive with organic and pasture-raised store eggs but more expensive than conventional options. The financial equation improves significantly after year 2-3 as startup costs are amortized, but true savings require maintaining a healthy flock of at least 4-6 hens for 5+ years.

The real value of backyard chickens extends beyond simple cost comparison. Fresh eggs with deep orange yolks, control over chicken diet and welfare, rich compost for gardens, educational opportunities, and the satisfaction of producing your own food create value that’s difficult to quantify. For families already buying premium eggs and interested in the lifestyle aspects of chicken keeping, backyard hens offer both financial and quality-of-life benefits.

Next steps for aspiring chicken keepers:

Calculate your current egg spending based on the type you actually buy (conventional, organic, or pasture-raised)
Research local regulations to ensure backyard chickens are permitted in your area
Plan your coop investment with a 5-7 year lifespan in mind; quality construction pays off
Start with 4-6 hens to balance production with manageability
Connect with local chicken keepers to learn from their experience and potentially source birds
Budget realistically for $500-$1,000 startup and $400-$600 annually for a small flock
Consider alternatives like buying from local keepers if pure cost savings is your only goal

Backyard chickens are a rewarding commitment that delivers fresh eggs, garden benefits, and daily connection to food production. Just don’t expect them to be a money-saving shortcut, they’re a lifestyle choice that happens to reduce your premium egg expenses over time.