How much are chickens worth?

[bpoore04]

Hi I was wondering how much I could sell some of my pullets for. They are laying and have no health issues. They range in age and will all turn a year from April-July. Thanks!

 

[Henry&Friends]

I would sell each bird at the cost it takes to raise them. If I have 12 year old birds who go through a bag of feed every two weeks, each bag costing $20, it would cost $20x(52/2) per bird. I do 52/2 because there’s 52 weeks in a year, but I buy feed once every two weeks. I would also tack on a bit more to cover the expenses I spent on housing, bedding, fencing, etc. etc.

so cost of feed times frequency of buying feed, plus a little bonus to make up other costs, and after those costs are paid off, the bonus becomes your profits.

 

[bpoore04]

I would sell each bird at the cost it takes to raise them. If I have 12 year old birds who go through a bag of feed every two weeks, each bag costing $20, it would cost $20x(52/2) per bird. I do 52/2 because there’s 52 weeks in a year, but I buy feed once every two weeks. I would also tack on a bit more to cover the expenses I spent on housing, bedding, fencing, etc. etc.

so cost of feed times frequency of buying feed, plus a little bonus to make up other costs, and after those costs are paid off, the bonus becomes your profits.

So if I am doing this right that equals a little over $31 each?? That seems a little much but I wouldn’t know because I’ve never bought anything other than chicks. I have 20 chickens who go through a $13 bag of food a week. So if I do 13x52 and then divide by 20 I get $31.2. Is that a fair price?

 

[Henry&Friends]

So if I am doing this right that equals a little over $31 each?? That seems a little much but I wouldn’t know because I’ve never bought anything other than chicks. I have 20 chickens who go through a $13 bag of food a week. So if I do 13x52 and then divide by 20 I get $31.2. Is that a fair price?

I would say so, the person paying for the birds don’t have to rear chicks or do much of the hard work, they just get to buy laying pullets. Are your birds a year old yet? I believe once they’re a year old pullets are called hens and cockerels are called roosters

 

[bpoore04]

I would say so, the person paying for the birds don’t have to rear chicks or do much of the hard work, they just get to buy laying pullets. Are your birds a year old yet? I believe once they’re a year old pullets are called hens and cockerels are called roosters

I have 8 that will turn a year old in April, 5 that will turn a year in June, and 7 that will be a year in July (one of which is a cockerel)

 

[tfreeman]

Depends on what part of the country you live in. I live in southeastern Louisiana and people do not like to pay over $15 for an egg layer. Specialty breeds in my area dont go over $30 per bird.​

 

[keesmom]

Depends on what part of the country you live in. I live in southeastern Louisiana and people do not like to pay over $15 for an egg layer. Specialty breeds in my area dont go over $30 per bird.​

Agreed. Your local market is the determining factor. Some regions are interested in production breeds, others ornamental breeds, some areas are willing to pay top dollar while others wouldn't consider paying more than $10-12. You can try to list them high and lower the price later if you have no takers.

 

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

I sell my chickens for $15 each. I think it’s a pretty reasonable price, considering that I deliver and that most chickens I sell are adult laying hens. I also need to have a price low enough so that people buy. So I think I’m going to fluctuate prices depending on breed, gender, and age.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have bought hens between $10-20 per head.

I while I understand the reasoning of asking more for birds considering what you have in them, the easiest way to reduce your current feed bill, is to reduce your flock size. A lot of people get extra chicks, either thinking they need them, or thinking they might loose some. And they need to correct the numbers as the birds get full size.

At that point, it will be worth a bit, to sell for less, and get your flock down and your feed bill down.

I just wish I was closer, I think I would be willing to go a bit too high, if I could get some layers after my wreck.

Mrs K

 

[ChickenLeg]

Id say $10-20 depending on what breed they are. If theybare just feed store or hatchery chickens then no more than $15. If they are backyard mix then about $10. If they are a nice quality breeder bird then $20.