{"id":1044,"date":"2022-07-24T17:21:37","date_gmt":"2022-07-24T17:21:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/cost-of-raising-chickens-for-meat-on-a-small-scale\/"},"modified":"2022-07-24T17:21:37","modified_gmt":"2022-07-24T17:21:37","slug":"cost-of-raising-chickens-for-meat-on-a-small-scale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/cost-of-raising-chickens-for-meat-on-a-small-scale\/","title":{"rendered":"Cost of Raising Chickens for Meat on a Small Scale"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We just finished raising another round of meat chickens on our homestead and we often get asked, \u201cIs it worth it?\u201d What\u2019s the cost of raising chickens for meat on a homestead scale? Here\u2019s a breakdown of our annual costs, our one-time costs, and what we would earn per chicken.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Breaking Down the Costs of Raising Chickens for Meat on a Homestead Scale | Homestead Meat Chickens\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ejirwcVl2tk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Starting Point \u2013&nbsp; What is the value of the chickens we raised?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In previous years we raised two separate batches of meat chickens (or broilers). This year we built a second chicken tractor and raised a full year\u2019s supply of meat chickens all in one batch \u2013 so much more efficient!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In all, 64 of our Freedom Ranger meat chickens made it into the freezer. They were mostly between 4 \u2013 6 lbs. with an average weight of roughly 4.7 lbs. They were fed an organic, non-gmo feed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"pulling chicken tractors through garden\" class=\"wp-image-1399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pulling-chicken-tractors-through-garden.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Freedom Rangers take 11-12 weeks on average to get to weight versus the 7-8 weeks it takes for Cornish Cross. You can read more about why we choose Freedom Rangers for our homestead in our post \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/cornish-cross-vs-freedom-ranger-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cornish Cross Vs. Freedom Ranger Chickens<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cost to buy organic, pasture raised chickens in our area is $5\/lb. Some areas this will be less, some areas it will be more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, 64 birds at 4.7 lbs. comes to roughly 300 lbs. of meat. That multiplied by $5\/lb. gives our meat a value of $1,500.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, our earning potential is $1,500. Now what does it cost to raise meat chickens?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-1024x576.png\" alt=\"value of chickens raised\" class=\"wp-image-1529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-480x270.png 480w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-1170x658.png 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-585x329.png 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-250x141.png 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-550x309.png 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-800x450.png 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-320x180.png 320w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised-889x500.png 889w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/value-of-chickens-raised.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breaking Down The Cost of Raising Chickens For Meat<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We live on a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/why-a-5-acre-homestead-is-the-perfect-size-for-a-beginner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5-acre homestead<\/a><\/strong> in a semi-rural area on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area. Keep in mind the following costs could vary significantly based on your location and what options are available.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chicks<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We purchased 60 Freedom Ranger chicks from our local feed store who gets delivers from a nearby hatchery. The cost of each chick was $2.15 for a total of $130. The hatchery typically will send one or two extra, but this time we got about 10! We lost a few as chicks and one died full grown, which is how we ended up with 64 in the end.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/cost-of-baby-chicks-1024x576.png\" alt=\"cost of baby chicks\" class=\"wp-image-1528\"\/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feed<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feed is going to be your most significant cost when raising chickens for meat. You can expect each meat chicken to consume between 16-20 lbs. of feed going from chick to butcher weight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chickens being raised for meat typically start out on a feed with a protein ratio of 22% for their first couple weeks of life. After, they switch to a protein content of around 18%. Feed quality and cost can vary greatly. We were thankful to have found a source of high quality, organic feed that we could get at a bulk rate. This saved us quite a bit from purchasing individual bags.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"organic chicken feed for broilers\" class=\"wp-image-1534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-600x401.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-1170x781.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-449x300.jpg 449w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers-749x500.jpg 749w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/organic-chicken-feed-for-broilers.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We estimated that our chickens consumed roughly 1,250 lbs. of feed over 12 weeks. That meant each of our 65 birds (we counted one that died as an adult) consumed 19.2 lbs. of feed, which is at the high end of that range mentioned above. The total feed cost came out to $520.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-1024x576.png\" alt=\"meat chicken feed costs\" class=\"wp-image-1530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-480x270.png 480w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-1170x658.png 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-585x329.png 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-250x141.png 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-550x309.png 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-800x450.png 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-320x180.png 320w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs-889x500.png 889w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-feed-costs.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Processing Costs<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Processing has a few different options with varying costs. If you are processing yourself, what equipment do you need to borrow, rent or purchase? If you are taking them somewhere to be processed, are you simply getting whole chickens or do you want more expensive cuts or blends?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-1024x768.png\" alt=\"beginners guide to processing chickens at home\" class=\"wp-image-1456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-600x450.png 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-500x375.png 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-1170x878.png 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-585x439.png 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-250x188.png 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-550x413.png 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-800x600.png 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-240x180.png 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-400x300.png 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home-667x500.png 667w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We butchered at home, all as whole chickens. Here\u2019s what we spent for home processing:<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chicken Bags ($55)<\/strong> \u2013 Poultry shrink bags work great. These are the <a href=\"https:\/\/flpoultryshrinkbags.com\/?ref=1h6yda9u\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bags<\/a> we use. If you\u2019re raising meat for the full year, like we are, this is our preferred route to go to keep meat fresh longer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Propane Tank ($20)<\/strong> \u2013 We used a scalder for defeathering and a turkey fryer for the shrink wrap bags. This required a full tank of propane.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Help ($150)<\/strong> \u2013 We processed on a weekday and didn\u2019t have much help available. So, we hired 3 neighbor boys to help out. Obviously, this cost could have been avoided if circumstances were different and we had volunteer help lined up. But even if we had family or friends helping, we probably would have been paying them in fresh processed chickens!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, our total processing costs came to $225, or about $3.50 per bird.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-1024x576.png\" alt=\"meat chicken processing costs\" class=\"wp-image-1531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-480x270.png 480w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-1170x658.png 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-585x329.png 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-250x141.png 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-550x309.png 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-800x450.png 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-320x180.png 320w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs-889x500.png 889w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-processing-costs.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We did find out from a farmer friend that they pay only $4.50 per bird at a local processing facility. That was a bulk rate they received, so we may pay slightly higher for our smaller batch. But regardless, at only $1 more per chicken, this is an option we will look closer at next year \u2013 especially since our kids are not at an age yet where they can really help out.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Raising Meat Chickens \u2013 Cost Analysis<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If we were to go out and purchase a 4.7 lb. pasture raised chicken from a local farm at $5.00\/lb. we\u2019d spend $23.50.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you can see form the breakdown below, raising that same chicken costs us $13.70.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the end we save about $10 per chicken OR we make $10 per chicken that we sell.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-1024x576.png\" alt=\"meat chicken total cost breakdown\" class=\"wp-image-1532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-480x270.png 480w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-1170x658.png 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-585x329.png 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-250x141.png 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-550x309.png 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-800x450.png 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-320x180.png 320w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown-889x500.png 889w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/meat-chicken-total-cost-breakdown.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a homestead, raising the meat primarily for our own consumption, these are numbers that we\u2019re happy with. We have the satisfaction of knowing exactly how our chickens were raised, involving our whole family in the process, and connecting to our food.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are also able to benefit from the nutrients the chicken\u2019s cycle back into our soils to help grow other foods our family lives on, which you can read more about in our post \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/how-to-create-a-quarter-acre-self-sufficient-homestead-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quarter Acre Self Sufficient Homestead Garden<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One-Time Costs for Meat Chickens<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Above, we broke down our annual costs to raise a batch of meat chickens. There are other one-time costs to get going that we did not figure in. These costs can be significant. But as a homestead, our focus is not profit; it\u2019s nourishing our family with the best foods possible. Plus, some of these items serve other functions on the homestead \u2013 like our brooder that is shared with our laying flock.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Farms often will divide these one-time costs over a period of time \u2013 say 5-15 years \u2013 and apply a portion of those costs to their annual balance sheet.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever approach you take, here are the one-time costs you might incur raising meat chickens.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brooder<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need a brooder to grow your chicks in their first several weeks of life. They don\u2019t need to be complex or expensive. Our post, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/simple-outdoor-chicken-brooder-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Simple Outdoor Chicken Brooder Ideas<\/a><\/strong>, breaks down our setup using mostly repurposed materials and gives other low-cost options.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"baby chicks under heat lamp\" class=\"wp-image-838\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/baby-chicks-under-heat-lamp.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shelter<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your chickens will need a coop or chicken tractor for protection from the elements and predators. We built a Suscovich Chicken Tractor, which has worked out great and will last a long time. The tractor itself cost about $350 to build, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/chicken-tractor-plans-for-25-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">installing a metal roof<\/a><\/strong> on it added another $250, so $600 total.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feeder\/Waterer<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Providing food and water access for your chickens is a must. We use this waterer that hangs in our chicken tractor. But you can also build them out of 5 gallon buckets. Feeders can also be inexpensive. We built a feed trough out of a PVC pipe as laid out in John Suscovich\u2019s chicken tractor plans book.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"three sisters garden with chicken tractors\" class=\"wp-image-1402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fencing<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some chicken growers prefer poultry fencing to keep chickens in and predators out. We use a simple poultry netting system from Premier 1 with a solar fence energizer. Again, this is an expense we use elsewhere on the farm as we also use to protect our gardens or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/rotational-grazing-on-a-small-scale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rotationally graze<\/a><\/strong> our cows.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Processing Equipment<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Processing does require a fair amount of equipment \u2013 a scalder and plucker being the most costly. We were fortunate to be able to borrow these from neighbors. However, renting or purchasing this equipment is something you may need to consider if you don\u2019t have access to it. We share a lot more about our processing setup, what you\u2019ll need, and what we\u2019ve learned in our post, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beginners Guide to Processing Chickens at Home<\/a><\/strong>. It\u2019s totally doable!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"homegrown chickens in shrink bags\" class=\"wp-image-1423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/homegrown-chickens-in-shrink-bags.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Freezers<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may also need to acquire additional freezer space if you don\u2019t have room for the chickens you are raising. Again, this does not need to be a significant cost. We just purchased a small chest freezer used off Facebook Marketplace for $75.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost Aside, Meat Chickens Are a Great Starting Point<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking to add greater self sufficiency to your life, raising chickens for meat is a great way to grow your own source of protein. They require minimal space, equipment, and infrastructure, and you can fill your freezer in just a couple months!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What\u2019s been your experience? Are our costs in line with what you\u2019ve seen? Or what questions do you have about raising chickens? We\u2019d love to connect in the comments below!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Some of the above links are affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We are so appreciative of your support!<\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background\" style=\"background-color:#6eb48c;color:#6eb48c\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>If you are looking to start raising your own chickens for meat, check out these helpful posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:26px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/cornish-cross-vs-freedom-ranger-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Cornish Cross Vs. Freedom Ranger Chickens<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:26px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/chicken-tractor-plans-for-25-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Chicken Tractor Plans for 25 Chickens<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:26px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Beginners Guide to Processing Chickens at Home<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\n  window.fd('form', {\n    formId: '636019b28d1a1ae7948da256',\n    containerEl: '#fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256'\n  });\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We just finished raising another round of meat chickens on our homestead and we often get asked, \u201cIs it worth it?\u201d What\u2019s the cost of raising chickens for meat on a homestead scale? Here\u2019s a breakdown of our annual costs, our one-time costs, and what we would earn per chicken. Our Starting Point \u2013&nbsp; What&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[499,473,474],"tags":[562],"class_list":["post-1044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chickens","category-homestead-how-tos","category-small-scale-farming","tag-backyard-chickens"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1044"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1044\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}