How to Raise Chickens for Meat

Raising chickens for meat can be a fun experience for the whole family. You start with baby chicks in the spring and by fall, you will have a freezer full of meat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chicken Coup
• Chickens
• Feed
• Feeders and Water system

1. Build a simple chicken coup. Plans can be found online by doing an Internet search for chicken coup plans. Also look for plans on ways to keep the baby chicks warm until they feather out.

2. Order your baby chicks from a reputable dealer. Look for hatcheries that have been in business for many years. Or check your local feed store and ask when they will get their chicks in or if they can order for you.

3. Buy feed that is specifically for chick starting. Chick start contains medicines that will help protect the chicks from a number of poultry diseases.

4. After your chicks have fully feathered out, switch them to a growing mash. This will have a high protein content that will help the chicks to grow and put on weight.

5. Find out how to butcher your own chickens or ask at the feed store if there is someone in the area that can do it for you.

6. Have your chickens butchered before winter fully sets in. After they reach full maturity, they will gain very little weight and the meat gets tougher as they grow older.

Tips & Warnings

• Many chick hatcheries offer specials on meat birds. While you won’t get eggs from these cockerels, you will get birds that reach maturity and weight quickly.
• Purchase a mixed run if you want both meat and egg birds.
• Raising chickens does take time and commitment. Make sure you have both to give before taking the plunge.

Resources

• Backwoods Living