Cheap Cornish X?

[Connorrm]

I really can't see paying 2.00+ a bird for a meaty. Where do people get them?

 

[kristen_k]

I got mine from the Central Hatchery here in Nebraska, .75 cents a chick. I didn't lose any until week 3.

http://www.centralhatchery.com/

 

[Denninmi]

I ordered mine from the local feed store, $2.25 each. Yes, probably a little high, but I am not comfortable at this time buying mail order. Maybe some day. These are going to be my first.

 

[CarriageStone]

Schlecht's Hatchery. $0.90 straight run. We just processed 65 seven week old birds this past weekend. Most netted out at 5lbs or so each.

 

[Connorrm]

I'll have to try schelts - getting to work on the chicken tractor

How big should one be for say, 25 meaties?

 

[Dogfish]

Schlect's price for delivered roos is $1.46. Welp is $1.55. This is based on where I live. Delivered price is a better representaion of total cost. Might have to order some from Schlects and Welp next batch.

 

[Dogfish]

Quote:
8'x8' would work just fine. Half covered, half open. Keep the covered side towards the direction your bad weather comes from.

 

[Connorrm]

Quote:
8'x8' would work just fine. Half covered, half open. Keep the covered side towards the direction your bad weather comes from.

Thanks Dogfish! Hmmm - That's a lot smaller than I thought haha!

I don't have the patience for proscessing so unfortunately I'm going to shell out 2.00 per bird to have it done. So that's about 3.55 per bird before feeding. I wonder what it would cost to feed a meaty to 8 weeks so I can get a more accurate picture.

 

[homme]

You might want to have a look at https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=477241 and https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=46307
My lesson learned from the experience of others is to not try to squeeze an extra pound out of these critters. They have a shelf life and burn out fast. Good luck.

 

[FeedYourself]

Quote:
8'x8' would work just fine. Half covered, half open. Keep the covered side towards the direction your bad weather comes from.

Thanks Dogfish! Hmmm - That's a lot smaller than I thought haha!

I don't have the patience for proscessing so unfortunately I'm going to shell out 2.00 per bird to have it done. So that's about 3.55 per bird before feeding. I wonder what it would cost to feed a meaty to 8 weeks so I can get a more accurate picture.

My feed costs are $17.55 for 50lb of 20% protein broiler feed. That = $0.35/lb x 20 lb/bird = $7.00/bird. I paid $1.00/bird. $1.00 + $7.00 feed +$0.11 packaging + (rental on plucker)$0.08 processing = $8.19/bird, or $1.638/lb (assuming static feed cost & 5lb average).

I projected $1.41-$1.46 at the beginning...forgot to include packaging and had no idea how feed prices might change on a moment's notice (went from $16/bag - $17.75).

A good value in my opinion, I am happy with my decision.