Please forgive this NOT seasonally appropriate homestead post – I’ve had it in my draft folder for months and want to get it published before year’s end!
This was the second year of raising meat chickens and we have learned so much. In year one, we raised two batches: 50 in the first batch and 100 in the second. This year in 2022, we raised two batches of 150 each. We raise a heritage breed meat chicken called the Freedom Ranger. They take a little longer to grow compared to the popular Cornish Cross, but we feel the extra time is worth it! This variety produces tender, succulent meat with high levels of omega-3 fats. SO delicious.
Below are four things we’ve learned along the way:
1. The startup costs can be expensive.
One of the hardest parts of homesteading has been starting from nothing. It took quite a bit of money to get going. From constructing the tractors to buying feed to acquiring all of the supplies for processing, it felt like cash was flying out of our wallets. I’m sure it’s possible to find many of the items secondhand or frugally, but we weren’t that lucky.
2. Our first tractors were way too heavy.
Our first year, we mimicked a Joel Salatin design, but made one fatal design flaw: we used 2x4s throughout! It was insanely heavy and required four of us to move it each morning. For year two, we knew we wanted something different. We went with two of what is technically an enclosed chicken run. We added wood “skis” on the bottom for added stability and a rope for moving. It’s not perfect and we have some improvement ideas for 2023, but we’re getting closer!
3. The everyday raising is super easy.
We moved the tractors each morning to fresh pasture and filled waterers and feeders at the same time. On super hot days, we’d go in a few times to make sure there was enough water, but other than that, the day-to-day raising was very hands off.
4. Processing is a gratitude-filled experience.
It’s hard to describe the feeling on processing day. It’s almost a spiritual experience. These animals have been in our care for eleven weeks and we worked hard to create the best possible life for them. They had plentiful food and drink, warm sunshine and fresh pasture. And in the end, they provide us with food to feed our family. I’m always filled with deep, deep gratitude.
Some Of Our Favorite Things for Raising Meat Chickens
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.
One note: We started collecting our supplies back in 2021 and unfortunately, the prices of most items below have exploded in price since then. An even bigger hurdle for the beginner homesteader. #thanksinflation
- BABIES
- OUT ON PASTURE
- PROCESSING
- Transport Crates (we’ve tried a few different types and these are our favorite)
- Processing Cones
- Stainless Steel Prep Tables
- Scalder (this one is similar to the one we have)
- Plucker
- Chill Tanks
- Poultry Shrink Bags
I bet processing day is difficult… I wouldn’t be able to go through it after taking care of them; I’m glad they had a natural life though, not like you would find in many industrial facilities. Also, they are very pretty chickens 🙂
It gets easier as time goes on, but yeah, it’s bittersweet. We strive to provide them with a lifetime of happiness with just a few bad seconds at the end.
I think the post was timely in a way… i’m always brainstorming things for the next year on our place in the winter after i’ve had time to relax and enjoy the hard of the busy seasons. Meat birds and pigs have been a hard NO for my hubby for years… maybe someday he will change his mind.
I completely agree…now that the busy season is over, it’s time to start dreaming about 2023!