Easiest way to weigh birds?

[imacowgirl2]

I want to weigh our meat birds periodically so I can figure the feed ratio and rate of gain I’m getting…I have a fish scale, and thought easiest way would be to put them in a 5 gallon bucket and hang the bucket from the fish scale. That works ok when they are small…but when they are bigger they are flapping all around trying to escape the bucket even if I set a lid on it, and I can’t get an accurate weight.

So how are you all weighing birds accurately?

 

[MysteryChicken]

I weigh mine with a heavy duty hang scale.

 

[My Three Chicks]

Baby scales work great..very precise. You can buy on Amazon for $35+. They have big surface to stand on and only need to be on for a few seconds.

 

[Painted Calls]

I use a kitchen scale.

Ducks:

Chickens:

 

[Geena]

I use a kitchen scale.

Ducks:
View attachment 3398864


Chickens:
View attachment 3398865

I think you're supposed to clean them before you make Duck Under Glass

 

[Morrigan]

I bring a human scale up to the coop. Take weight, pick up bird, take weight again, subtract.

I do it at night with a headlamp.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I put my birds in a reusable shopping bag and hang that from a fish scale. Cost about $7.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I use a kitchen scale and cardboard box or small tote with a lid.

 

[NatJ]

thought easiest way would be to put them in a 5 gallon bucket and hang the bucket from the fish scale. That works ok when they are small…but when they are bigger they are flapping all around trying to escape the bucket even if I set a lid on it, and I can’t get an accurate weight.

You could try it after dark. Chickens are often calmer after dark, so they might hold still in the bucket for long enough to get a reading.

Depending on the exact sizes involved, you could wrap the bird in a towel and then sit it in the bucket. Just remember to account for the weight of the towel as well as the bucket.

 

[Amer]

Use a reusable grocery bag instead of a five gallon bucket.