Took the chickens in for processing

[paisleycj]

I've already had people bug me for chicken. When I told one guy it'd be about $13 for a good size chicken, he told me I was crazy. I told him I didn't really have enough to sell anyway. I figure they cost me about $1.60 a lb to raise. That's only including the cost of the chicks, the feed, and the processing. Doesn't touch the wood shavings, equipement, electricity, the cost of the coop, labor, etc. I'm sure not going to give them away to just anybody!

 

[tricia]

I am so glad you started this thread - it has been tremendously helpful to me! Thank you!

I have a couple of friends that would like me to raise some meat birds for them. They know it won't be cheaper than the store but the fact they know the person raising the birds is so worth it to them. It's worth it to me too - raising my own birds that I know exactly how/what they are fed and how they are treated.

Thanks again for the info. I hope you don't mind all my questions!

 

[okiemommy]

Does it cost less if you free range chickens? Can you free range meat birds and get a good result?

 

[paisleycj]

aggggg! my cat just stepped on my key board and wiped out a bunch of typing!!

Anyway, search through the site for free range meat birds. I know I've seen lots of posts for them. Once they get on the large side, I know all they do is eat, drink, sleep and poo. lots of poo.

Tricia; ask away, I don't mind.

 

[LoneCowboy]

I took mine in today too. 1 died in transit

a big fat one too.

So, out of the 50 I started with 44 made it to the processor alive. I guess that's ok odds. I call these our tution birds because we are learning on them.

for transporting the chickens, I bought a couple of those Ex-large dog crates and got some of that 1/8" plywood stuff and make a divider between the 2 halves, so I have a 2 story dog crate, and can put twice as many chickens in.

I wish I could find a processor for only $1.50. ours charges $2.70 per bird and $2.85 if you want the giblets. Plus, it's 1.5 hours away.

 

[Redfeathers]

Quote:
So what did your average in weight?

I like the doubled dog kennel Idea.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Don't know yet. Can't pick them up until the morning and the inspector hadn't got there yet this morning, so they just put them in a holding pen.

 

[okiemommy]

hey thanks paisleycj! I appreciate it

 

[LoneCowboy]

Ok, here's the poop on the processing. I guess the average weight of my birds at 7 weeks was about 4 lbs. However, I pulled one out of the freezer that looked average to me, and it was nearly 5 lbs. I'll know more when I go weigh them.

I ended up with 42 chickens. I took 45 in, one was DOA another died before processing and one was condemned because it had an infection through out it's body. Lucky I took it to a USDA inspected processing plant, or I wouldn't have found that.

The guy said that my birds were very clean and asked if I would be willing to grow some for him. They've got more orders than they can fill. He pays $5.25 per bird and supplies the birds. I can't see how I could make more than $100 on 50 in 7 weeks at that rate. I'd have to get the feed some place a LOT cheaper than Purina Flock Raiser. Anyway, for the final inspection, I guess we won't know until after dinner

edited to correct average weight

 

[Jacky'sMamma]

Great job on the trailer and WOW $1.50/bird!!! That's GREAT!