Using bargain chick rate as college course experience?

[DanIndiana]

I see Mt Healthy Hatchery will sell 100 mixed breed chicks at $.35/ea. While I have absolutely no market (right now) for eggs or heritage meat, what if I absorb the chick and feed costs, just to experience the whole scenario of 100 birds (like an intensive college course). I'm thinking, for a few hundred bucks in feed, I can gain a ton of experience cheaply, feed me and friends and family, and maybe sell a few before it gets too cold. I'm hooked, I need more birds.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

see if you can get cockerals only (I'm sure you can) and try the capon experience

 

[cattleman999]

I am in the middle of the very thing you are talking about. I ordered the bargain package from Mt. Healthy. I received 25 barred rocks, 25 RIR, 25 silver laced wynadottes, and 25 buff orpingtons. Mine are about a month old now. I am curious to see what it will cost to get them ready for freezer camp.

 

[chickenfeverforever]

I would wait to place an order with Mt. Healthy or use a different hatchery because they are under going a large salmonella outbreak right now.

 

[Oregon Blues]

.35 cent chicks are going to all be males. You aren't going to have to worry about trying to sell eggs.

Ideal runs specials on leftover pullets for a very decent price. Straight run (mixed males and females) are even cheaper. Try that and you will be able to get egg raising experience. You can also buy fewer chicks. 100 chicks are going to cost a fortune to feed every week.

 

[Oregon Blues]

I just looked at the weekly special. Straight run large breed chickens for 85 cents if you buy 50 of them. That's not 35 cents, but you are going to get hens for some of them.