An 18 hen laying unit which provides a family with an average of 14 eggs per day costs R2400.00. This cost includes a well designed, spacious cage complete with feed trough and water system, 18 laying hens, 2 x 50 kg bags of feed as well as training in the management of such a unit. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and are ideal in preventing malnutrition, which is common among children in rural South Africa.