Meattie order from Central Hatchery ... great price - Page 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beekissed 

How much did that feed cost per bag?  I'm sorry if you mentioned it before, but I didn't see it when I reviewed the post.  I'm just trying to get a handle on the typical cost of CX done in a traditional manner.  There's a member on another post who was asking and, since I've never done them like everyone else, I didn't have a good answer for them. 

$13.75 per bag

$2.50 per chick for 4 wks, I think.  That translates into $.63 per chick per week.  I'm not the greatest at math, so if that is wrong, someone correct me. 

So, Swamp...is that typical feed cost for you, assuming you keep track of those things?  I don't normally keep track of feed costs or usage but I'm trying to this time.

So far, mine have consumed 50 lbs at 1.1 lb per chick for 2 wks, making it $.35 per chick for two weeks and $.17 per chick, per week....so far... 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beekissed 

$2.50 per chick for 4 wks, I think.  That translates into $.63 per chick per week.  I'm not the greatest at math, so if that is wrong, someone correct me. 

 

So, Swamp...is that typical feed cost for you, assuming you keep track of those things?  I don't normally keep track of feed costs or usage but I'm trying to this time.

 

So far, mine have consumed 50 lbs at 1.1 lb per chick for 2 wks, making it $.35 per chick for two weeks and $.17 per chick, per week....so far... 

Let's see, 19 bags @ $13.75 = $261.25 divided by 104 birds = $2.61 per bird.  They are 5 weeks old so that is $.52 per week each.

I like to look at the overall cost because the consumption is much greater in later weeks.  Lets say I planned to process all of them now.  $2.61 feed cost + $1.10 to buy the chicks, including shipping, I have $3.71 in each bird.  If I average 4 pounds processed weight per bird and sell them for $2.00 per pound, I'll receive $8.00 per bird.  That's a profit of $4.29 per bird x 102 birds (I've lost 2) = $437.58. 
 

Ralph

That's what I'm seeing too, but why do all these other people claim that they paid $7-$10 per bird by the time they got done raising their CX?  Of course that is going to look like it isn't profitable nor even intelligent to raise your own, but I, myself, am seeing a tremendous difference in the cost to raise my own. 

What are they doing that makes their birds so darn expensive to raise?  You have fed continuous feeds, you've feed broiler feeds, you basically have followed all the same steps they have...so why are yours so reasonably priced and theirs are not? 

It's a mystery but I'd sure like to find out why....the cost is what is prohibiting many people from doing this meaty thing and it sure would be nice to show it isn't costly. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beekissed 

That's what I'm seeing too, but why do all these other people claim that they paid $7-$10 per bird by the time they got done raising their CX?  Of course that is going to look like it isn't profitable nor even intelligent to raise your own, but I, myself, am seeing a tremendous difference in the cost to raise my own. 

 

What are they doing that makes their birds so darn expensive to raise?  You have fed continuous feeds, you've feed broiler feeds, you basically have followed all the same steps they have...so why are yours so reasonably priced and theirs are not? 

 

It's a mystery but I'd sure like to find out why....the cost is what is prohibiting many people from doing this meaty thing and it sure would be nice to show it isn't costly. 

I bought my birds for $.80 each plus shipping.  Some folks are paying more than that.  I also do my own processing, some pay $3 each.  It wouldn't be worth it to me.  I feed mine 12 on 12 off after 3 weeks.

I pay very close attention to the cost and progress.  Other than the reasons I mentioned, I'm not sure why others are seeing a higher cost.  It's working for me.

Ralph

I suppose I can shed some light on this since I've spent over $9 a bird on the two batches I've raised.    Amazingly, in one of those batches the chicks were only $.99 each. 

I lose it in shavings every time.  I had to add $2 per chicken the last time in shavings alone.  So, right off I had $4 in shavings, chick price, and $1 per bird to butcher.  Even this time, I have a great plan going, but that pen STINKS, so I'm going to have to add more shavings. 

I'm desperately hoping to only spend $4.75-$5 to raise each one to 3.5-5 lb. dressed weight.  We'll see...........

OOOOH Look here little chickies ... I found you a yummy! 

He does seem to like having his own little flock to look after.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beekissed 

I am very pleased with the health and vigor of my chicks from Central also...mine just turned a week old today.   Here's a pic of a few of them a couple of days ago, meeting their new guardian roo for the first time.  They were mutually pleased to have met! 

 

 

I'll post progressive pics but mine won't be the big meat balls that Swamp's are until the end...I'm on the slow growing plan here! 

I finally got mine outside and secured their pen so nothing can swoop in from above.  They're having a great time getting filthy in their dirt dust baths and running around.  It reminds me why I raise them when I see them enjoying the sunshine and fresh air like that. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jubilee1111 

OOOOH Look here little chickies ... I found you a yummy! 

 

He does seem to like having his own little flock to look after.
 

 

You would not believe what I caught him doing last night.....    He was crouched down in their brooder space with chicks all around him...the big ol' baby was snuggling with those chicks.  Previously he has been on the roost, even on colder nights than last night, so I know it wasn't for the warmth.  I just think he's lonely and feels matronly towards them.

I took a pic...I'll post it here later just for the laughs.  

I was wondering if you had thought of just using leaves, straw or hay.  They are all cheaper than shavings. 

Another thing that Swamp and I have done is feed probiotics this year and I have virtually no smell at all in my coop/brooder.  Even can pick up the chips with poop and hold it up to my nose and can't smell anything.  Sure has made a difference in the smell and consistency of their poop.  No squirts means dryer bedding.  I've got 54 poopers in my coop and I've used one bag of shavings and one partial bale of hay and it's nice and dry, not overly soiled.  I fluffed it for the first time today and still couldn't smell anything there. 

Well, that's definitely something to consider.  I've been reading your posts and it doesn't sound all that difficult and the benefits sound incredible.