Preparing for power outages, food shortages, everyday necessities, retirement etc.
Some things might not be cost effective such as keeping chickens when you can go to the store and buy eggs for less than a dollar a dozen. You can also buy the meat at times at fairly reasonable price. There is other benefits that is to be considered.
Their "droppings" make excellent fertilizer is one. Plus after a "stressful" day at work my daughter likes to get home and take care of the chickens. It helps take her mind off the troubles of the day. I also like to watch them especially when it looks like they are "discussing" who gets what nesting box. Sometimes push come to shove when it comes to the food or water. She sent me a picture of them taking a "dust bath".
It is nice to get fresh eggs by just walking out the door. No getting them at the store not knowing how long they have been the or where they came from. Some say our eggs taste better than store bought. If you add enough bacon grease I'm sure it is hard to tell the difference.
We have "Easter Egg" chickens that lay colored eggs and some that lay brown colored eggs. Some are pretty small because some of them have just started laying. We have been getting a quite a few double yolks. No problem getting rid of our "extra" eggs. Just make a phone call or two and someone will get what we have. They gladly pay more than store price.
Not really preppies just preparing, doing no more that anyone that has a few acres. Used to do some canning "preparing". Not able to garden at this time but hopeful for next year.