What are the rules on selling some of my meat birds? "Georgia"

[Rcl700]

I recently have been thinking about what it would take to raise meat birds. What I don't understand is what it takes to sell some of the birds. Can I process and package some of my birds to sell locally ( friends, Family, work) It seems when making chick orders I would need to make a minimum order. The minimum number would likely be too much chicken for just my home. Can I sell processed chicken? If this is restricted, what are the options for providing locally grown fresh...

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

I started raising meat birds for my family's table three summers ago. The first two summers I included extra chicks for my mom, who lives next door. The deal was that she'd pay me a percentage cost for the purchase, postage and feed and also help me with the butchering and processing. This summer I've had three additional friends/family members ask me to raise extra for them too with a similar deal (we've also added turkeys last summer and this one). It is my belief that if you do your business in this way perhaps adding what you think your customers will accept to the price , very informally, no business web-page or stall at the local farmer's market, there shouldn't be any legal problem.

I've even bartered fresh eggs and a pastured roaster for part of my dog-sitting bill.

However, most hatcheries will sell you 25, or even 15 chicks and that means less than 1/2 a chicken per week, which should work for even a very small family, so there is no reason you need to look for customers.

 

[katbriar]

I would suggest calling your county extension agent. They are usually friendly, helpful people for small farms and gardeners. Some have equipment they rent out and know of other local resources. Most produce publications on agricultural topics frequently with a local university.

If the agent can't tell you the rules directly, they will probably know where to send you.

 

[wsmoak]

Here is some information published by Georgia Organics, which is trying to promote on-farm processing: http://georgiaorganics.org/advocacy/pastured-poultry

Here is a small farm near me that offers pastured chicken processed on the farm. Perhaps they can answer some questions about how they got started and what was required: http://www.coverallfarms.com

As far as minimum orders, I get 25 Freedom Rangers each spring, and my husband and I have no trouble making them disappear before the year is up! Of course, the more you order, the cheaper it is, as they charge less per bird, and shipping gets spread out over more birds.

-Wendy