How to Raise Chickens for Meat

When raising your chickens, you may or may not have a hen to help you.

The lifespan of a meat chicken is not long. From birth to slaughter, the broiler will only need about two months. Once they reach maturity, broiler chickens find it difficult to do many of the same tasks other chickens enjoy. This is because broiler chickens are much larger than other chickens, often causing them leg and heart problems. To produce the meat you are looking for, however, broiler chickens are basically bred as over-eaters.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Heat lamps
• Shelter
• Feed
• Water
• Space

1. Purchase Cornish X (cross) chicks from a local farmer's market or farmer.

2. Place the chicks in an enclosed area with a heat lamp to help keep them warm. The chicks will require a regular temperature of 100 degrees for the first few weeks of life. Gradually decrease their temperature each week until they are ready for outdoor life.

3. Keep a constant supply of feed and water for your chicks. Broiler chickens are big eaters with big appetites. The water will need to be changed often.

4. Open up their space as they get bigger. Do not take chickens outside yourself; allow them to explore on their own. Once outside, chickens will find other natural sources of food like worms, insects and even field mice. They will still be hungry when you bring them feed throughout the day.

5. Take the chickens to slaughter once they are full grown. Once two months has passed, you will notice they have more trouble walking and just look old.

References

• Frugal Living Freedom: Raising Chickens For Meat and Eggs
• Mother Earth News: Raising Chickens for Meat
• Shepers Hill Farm and Gardens: Chickens