I've been having some crazy thoughts (or so my husband says) recently about raising a few chicks to point of lay and then selling them. Would this be profitable? I love raising the babies (well, except for the culling part) and, for me, it doesn't seem like too much work.
I've had the same thoughts. I am concerned though about the 6 month commitment and the high price I would charge. I would charge at least $10.00 each and people have reacted to that with " Ten bucks for a chicken?! I can get one at walmart for five!"
Raising them to the point of lay, I don't think you could get nearly enough money for them to make it worth the expense and labor. I have sold lots of 6-weekers for $20 each, though. It still hardly seems worth it to me, other than the fact that they were just necessary surpluses acquired while building the homestead flock.
I am raising some now to sell come winter. So many people are willing to pay a huge price in the winter for layers so I bought sex links and should have plenty to sell. Mine free range so I don't have as much involved and I feed whole grains. They don't waste much. Last winter I was getting $15 a hen easy. It always depends on market and demand.
Quote:I wonder what Walmart that would be? I've never seen chickens at Walmart, if I did I'd be in SOOOOO much trouble, i go there all the time. **Forgot to mention my opinion. It's worth it if you want to do it. If you're only in it for the profit, it most likely won't add up. But if you're in it to have fun raising fat happy chickies to give to good homes, then it will be great.
Um I guess but why not keep them and sell eggs 2.00 a dozen plus you would fall in love and then not wanna give them up lol
It all depends on the market for them where you live. In some areas people are getting maybe $8 for laying hens, and in other places people are getting $12 to $15 for pullets.
It's a lot of work for a few dollars- your hourly wage would be miserly. If you sold eggs you could break even on feed and have protein from the layers.
