sale price for processed meaties?

[momofchicks]

In a random conversation with a lady at baseball game, my meaties got brought up. She is really interested in buying the finished product. I called my local Kroger and they said organic chickens are selling for $6.99 a pound or $4.99 with Kroger card. These aren't organic but they have no hormones or preservatives. Anyway, we paid about $1.50 per bird, $3.00 for processing then add feed to that. I was thinking about charging $2.25 per pound what do you think?

 

[barrybro]

I am at 2.75 per pound. Sold 200 birds before I ordered them from the hatchery.

Barry

 

[Megs]

i guess im not much help being over in canada for prices, but a family member who does meaties charges $3.50/lb.

 

[jaku]

Remember, we live in a time where you can buy a whole chicken at the grocery store for $5. Unless you're dealing with people who eat a lot of organic food, all they're going to see is the price tag. I charge $10/bird right now. It's enough to break even, get my own birds free, and make a few bucks in the end.

 

[barrybro]

The grocery store chicken is not your competition. They are not raised the same. People are willing to pay more for chicken that is raised in a humane and healthy way.

Barry

 

[patman75]

I get my pasture raised chickens from a local farmer, hormone and chemical free, not organic, processed whole, 4-6 lbs for $10 a bird.

 

[barrybro]

I would encourage you to run the numbers and sell them for a profit, if that is your goal. I really enjoy raising the meat birds but ultimately it is a business for me. I am going to provide something that people really want. I have a really neat farm that the people can come out to and see their chickens raised in a humane and healthy way. I send email updates on the progress of their chickens. I am providing more than a chicken. I feel like I am a little light at 2.75 a pound for what I provide. You will always find somebody that will do it cheaper.

People need transportaion, but they don't always buy the cheapest car.

 

[momofchicks]

Quote:
That's great advice! Do you have a picture of your set up? We got 25 birds last year at 4 weeks, a coon got some and we ended up processing 16. They went quickly and were delicious. We didn't sale any (we gave some away) but had the processing place put $1.99 a pound on the sticker. Some family members were shocked when we put $1.99 a pound on the sticker because they don't care what they eat I guess. Like you stated earlier you can get a whole cooked chicken for $5. Anyway, I really think there are people out there that do care what they are eating and giving their families to eat like this one lady that I came across. So, if we start selling some this year and get other people hooked like we are, I could probably go into a small business for it too. We did have new expenses this year with 50 birds we bought a huge brooder and more feeders and such but those will stay forever now and we won't have that expense again. We just totaled some costs and we have $7.82 in each bird. But, that doesn't count the brooder and bedding, or time of course. I think we will try $2.50 a bird and see how that goes over. Thanks again!!

 

[cluckcluck42]

I am probably going to be asking 3 dollars a pound, chicken in my area is expensive. Maybe chicken is cheaper in the states. I don't think I will have trouble selling my chickens at this price, but if I do I will lower it. As long as I make a profit, I will be happy.

 

[jaku]

Quote:
But like I said, unless people are used to organic food prices, grocery store chicken IS your competition.