Good price for backyard layer chicks?

[BackyardBreeder]

I think this is the best place to put this (only my 2nd post), but if not, feel free to move! They would be Buff Orp. Roo x Australourp hen. Very friendly and hand/hen raised and hatched. What would you guys charge?

 

[Fred's Hens]

This depends on local market conditions, supply and demand. There is no "one size fits all" advice here.

Here's my thinking. You'll have to draw your own conclusions and test your own market prices.

A shipped chick is roughly $2.50 Ditto with TSC or most feed stores. So, a chick that has been fed for 6 weeks, cared for, and brooded, and in our case, that means no small amount of electricity to drive the heat lamps for 4-5 weeks. Bedding costs a little too. So, I charge $5.00 for a brooded chick. The price goes up with each passing month. They eat more feed, take additional care, use additional bedding. If the bird is a layer, and if I sell it at Point of Lay, say 16 weeks? I charge $16. I've never had any difficulties selling birds, at any age point. Cockerels and roosters here bring zip, so they get eaten as food.

Hope this helps in your thought process as you sort through your own local situation.

 

[fratmor]

does that also work for full 1 year pullet or would you charge more.

 

[BackyardBreeder]

Okay. Thanks for the great advice Fred!

 

[Fred's Hens]

does that also work for full 1 year pullet or would you charge more.

By "does that work" are you asking whether the price keeps climbing? No, of course not. Whether Point of Lay pullet or laying, young hen, our ceiling is around $15. In fact, after a year old, the price will actually decline rather dramatically.