Eating the Roosters

[SIMZ]

That's what my husband did! He made them out of those orange plastic cones. He may have a metal one that he made, too....I can't remember if that one worked out or not.

 

[ILikeBirds]

I was thinking sheet metal, but orange plastic cones sounds much, much easier, and cheaper!

 

[SIMZ]

They work really well except for the really big roasters that start dressing out around 7+ pounds. I think you can find those cones in different sizes, though.

 

[ILikeBirds]

If you don't mind me asking, do your chickens pay for themselves? I've been reading around on here and some people seam to think that making money from your chickens is close to impossible, but others don't. I would just be happy if they pay for themselves!

 

[SIMZ]

We do batches of around 65-75. Our goal is to raise our own and sell the extras to make ours as cheap as if we bought them at Aldi.. I always know the number I need to sell for us to break even on the total cost of the birds we put in our freezer (not including any labor or fee for our processing). Sometimes we make it, sometimes we don't - there have been times when our birds go in the freezer for just labor. Make no mistake - it's a lot of work and expense! In my area, I can easily get them to pay for themselves - but it's up to not having losses and making sure you make good decisions.

I'd challenge you to try it and keep good records. The first few batches (at least), you'll find that you have to keep buying things to make it work. After that you should level off, build up customers, and be more efficient.

Now, MAKING money is a whole different ball game. It's not something I could do because I'm too limited on space. Although, I have ideas on how I could make it work.

Business plans are always successful when they're only in your mind, right? LOL

 

[ILikeBirds]

We do batches of around 65-75. Our goal is to raise our own and sell the extras to make ours as cheap as if we bought them at Aldi.. I always know the number I need to sell for us to break even on the total cost of the birds we put in our freezer (not including any labor or fee for our processing). Sometimes we make it, sometimes we don't - there have been times when our birds go in the freezer for just labor. Make no mistake - it's a lot of work and expense! In my area, I can easily get them to pay for themselves - but it's up to not having losses and making sure you make good decisions.

I'd challenge you to try it and keep good records. The first few batches (at least), you'll find that you have to keep buying things to make it work. After that you should level off, build up customers, and be more efficient.

Now, MAKING money is a whole different ball game. It's not something I could do because I'm too limited on space. Although, I have ideas on how I could make it work.

Business plans are always successful when they're only in your mind, right? LOL

I'd say so! I'm tempted to give it a shot though, maybe start small with 10 - 15 birds and see how that works for me. I certainly have the land, but I'm not terribly sure about the funds because I am a working student, it would have to remain small for little while I finish school, but I could certainly manage getting on my feet!

It sounds more successful than selling eggs because everyone and their mother sells their eggs You're raising Cornish Crosses, right? (I took a look at your video).

I would only be a little hesitant because I fear I might get a little attached to the things!

 

[SIMZ]

Yes, we raise cornish cross. Definitely start with that amount and see how it goes.

They're actually my favorite chickens - very friendly and docile. I've found that the key is to raise in them groups so that you can't pick out individuals. That way I can get attached to the group, but not individuals. That's made it easier for me....and is easier with 50 than 10, by the way. When we decided to raise them I had to get it straight in my mind. Good luck with your future chicken endeavors!