Reason home grown is better than store bought meat chickens

[Oregon Blues]

I probably had better add: the feed I use has gone up by almost $3 a bag since I raised my Cornish Cross last spring. So, logically, my next batch of chickens will end up costing more than the $1.80 a pound that it cost me to raise the last batch.

 

[milleryardchx]

Im finishing my last 10 meaties on monday, I harvested 5 2 weeks ago they were 4lbs 6oz these ones will be I bet 6 to 7lbs. check craigslist for chicken feed I live in the NW were there are lots of micro brews and people give away or sell their barley mash for about $5 to 10 for a 35 gallon trash can full. That fermented feed and a little chopped oats, I found a local farmer for $12 for 80lbs 17 birds. Im less than a $1 per lb.

 

[phalenbeck]

I 'ranged' my meat birds some. The first were raised by a brody, and seemed to dig around reasonably well. The next batch seemed to not be able to figure much out besides walking, and seemed to have problems finding home. They ranged a couple hours a day. I hope to use a brody in the future--often a silkey that is soon outgrown by her chicks.