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- #11
My family owns a chicken shop where they sell live or killed chickens... I initially wanted to sell to them as they own it but it's not like they share their wealth lol. But I figured I could maybe partner with him some how to get it all established. Now I am worried because like everyone is saying no one can or will show as much love to the birds as I will even when it's time for them to be processed...I tried to understand the wording myself, as well as navigate the entire site. VERY confusing and jammed packed. The search engine feature did not short cut me to my worded requests.
Perhaps a phone call would be more advantageous.
BUT from what I did see, it is saying that that chicken (meat) farmers are seldom profiting from a small operation. Rising feed costs/over head/housing/competition makes it extremely difficult on a small scale level w/less than 3000 birds). I'm sure getting in bed with the USDA isn't helping either. BUT if you wish to provide human consumption products such as meat to the general public, I suggest not by passing Uncle Sam.
Maybe start off really small and provide meat for your family/friends first, then swim to the deep end.
As far as processing is concerned, that is a major over head. ALL OF your profits right there.
Our processor charges us over $500 per cow and an average of $220 per swine. We do our own poultry- less complicated and we only have space to rest the meat on a small scale.
If you are to wishing to go right into the deep end first, I suggest you invest in a walk in cooler.
Contact them thru Ma Bell. An agent will explain in full detail the do's & don't's. That's what we pay taxes for.. humans helping us- not for us to spend hours on a .gov web site searching for answers.
Good luck.
I couldn't imagine my chicken nugget ever being eaten. She's the love of my life
