5 of that usually comes in the form of a broiler chicken and the remaining 5-7 pounds is an assortment of beef cuts. Just using the breasts or the whole chicken? Now check your email to confirm your subscription. A broiler chicken should be fed high protein complete feed. Remember that it ate less when it was small, and the amount of feed consumed increased each week. Learned a lot since those six . While there’s no such thing as an average chicken and they can range between 2.5 lbs to over 8 lbs, let’s assume that your average chicken is 4 lbs, for the sake of mathematics. It can lay between 250 and 300 eggs per year, so it can easily supply a family of four assuming each member eats 1 egg every day. The general rule of thumb is to get 2 chickens … There is no way to prevent a chicken from laying eggs, but as long as you do not have a rooster the eggs would be unviable. A flock of about 12 is perfect for me too. Check out this post for some suggestions on where to purchase them: https://farmingmybackyard.com/buy-chicks/. This is a great article, it’s been really helpful. Some people buy new stock every year or two and send the old birds to freezer camp (aka the soup pot). But this year they aren’t laying as much as they used to, and you’re thinking about buying a few pullets. However, not recommended if you are aiming to build a commercial meat business. I'd like to receive the free email course. A homesteader who works full time doesn’t necessarily want to spend their weekend mucking out a large chicken coop. If your chickens’ coop is crowded, they won’t lay eggs. Yes, even older chickens who aren’t laying can be great fun to keep around as pets and entertainment. Unless you’re brooding chicks, you don’t need to keep a coop toasty warm, but I do suggest keeping your coop around 40° F. So if you want your birds to produce through the winter (in cold climates specifically), keep your coop’s temperature within your chicken’s comfort zone for best results and happy hens. The Cornish cross breed is extremely popular if you are raising your backyard chickens for producing meat. Older birds lay fewer eggs, which you need to plan around in advance. For lighter breeds, like the White Leghorn, chickens that are allowed to forage outside during the day should have at least 3 square feet per bird, so a 4′ x 8′ coop could house 10-11 birds. There are minimum standards laid down in the Codes of Welfare for the welfare of laying hens and meat chickens. So, let’s say the average is 6 grams. You can raise three batches of Cornish cross chickens in the time it takes to raise one batch of heritage breed chickens. If you thought humans only need personal space, then no, chickens need it too! The number of chickens that you will need, depends mostly on what your personal needs are. But one of the first questions you face is how many chickens do you need? I cooked for some of us at an impromptu "mini-reunion" last year and made pulled pork, chicken and baby backs - it was all well received, especially the pulled pork. How many are needed if we eat chicken on a regular basis and use a dozen eggs per week? For a flock of 10 mature, dual-purpose chickens, how much space would they need? The average rotisserie chicken is about 2 pounds. The only major difference is their feather colors. Better and tastier products (both meat and eggs). Congratulations! However, in achieving this purpose, knowing how many chickens to keep at one time is very important so you won’t break the bank instead. However, they grow relatively slow (16-21 weeks harvest time) and need large amounts of food. Chickens are perfect for a sustainable homestead. Summer they want in high heat, but we make sure they have fresh, cold water daily. A family of six? Or is it best to keep both kinds, those for eating and those for laying eggs? so you can pin it to your Chicken Board!! Probably around six young laying hens. Chickens are perfect for a sustainable homestead. My hope is that by the end of this post, you’ll have a very good understanding of what you are getting into and I hope it will make it easier and more enjoyable for you since there is really a lot of value in growing your own meat. How many eggs do I need per week? So, it might prevent behaviors like nesting and dust-bathing, Physically caged chickens are weaker with reduced bone strength. How Much Space Do 10 Chickens Need? And if you have more and can rotate that’s even better too. If you are raising your own breeding stock, you will need to include roosters in your flock. As a basic rule of thumb you can plan on having three chickens per two members of your household. In this guide, we will answer that question, along with various tips and techniques to ensure success in growing your backyard chicken for meat. You can save money at the grocery store without a time intensive garden or committing to raising livestock. The first thing you need to know is that raising meat chickens is actually a seasonal thing. However, famous for producing the most delicious meat and also for their tenderness. What are the best types of chickens for our goals? Many factors are going to come into play when deciding how many chickens you should get for eggs. It’s up to you. Buckeye chickens are a great choice if you live in colder climates, for example in the northern U.S. Chicken for eggs and eating Great: it is a fun thing to do and a very absorbing hobby, also it can save you a lot of cash too. You can also purchase a rotisserie chicken to use in your recipe. 4 x good laying hens have the potential to produce over 2 dozen eggs per week. However, what you need to keep in mind is that you will probably be raising a higher volume of meat chickens than egg layers, so your coop size will need to increase dramatically. Or, if you have decided on how many chickens you want to keep, how much space do they need to eat, drink, sleep, nest and scratch? How many chickens do we need to have in the coop? Processing Time: 16-20 weeks. If you eat chicken once a week you’d need 52 throughout the year. They will teach you a new way of life, and you will be happy and laughing for the rest of your life! How to Raise Your Own Meat Chickens. I have to say I agree most of your article! We have about 15 laying chickens now but need to get some cornish hens. The proper size of the coop depends on how many birds you have, what size they are, and whether you […] Great: it is a fun thing to do and a very absorbing hobby, also it can save you a lot of cash too.This article will tell you how many chickens you need for your family. Before you rush out and buy your hens, you have a few things to sort out first. If you don’t go through many eggs, and just want a half-dozen or so per week, I don’t recommend keeping a single chicken. Let us discuss the technicalities. Use 1.5 pieces boneless chicken breast per person if you are serving other meats and dishes. Keep one to two percent of your best offspring and cull the rest. Once they have access to greens, they also need grit. The first consideration is your location. Many people replace their chickens every 2 or 3 years to compensate. Click here for information on reviews, sponsored posts, and contact information. The space needed by chickens depends on whether it’s free-range or … They like to be active, and they require space. Meaning, this family of four will need 4 chickens every week or 208 chickens every year. 10. The Chickens Need Space. How to Train Chickens to Lay Eggs in the Nest Box? The eat roughly the same amount of food, but you get three times the meat. Boneless chicken breast comes in sizes ranging from 4 to 8 ounces. How many chickens do I need for my family? Raising chickens in the backyard can not only be a lot of fun but can also help a person to earn a bit of extra money on the side. Chickens will be happier and healthier if they are let out during the day to forage. How many chickens do you need for your family? The whole chicken will make about 3 cups of chicken- this is about 2 cups of white meat and 1 cups of dark meat. Comes in below 35* and goes off at 45*. This is my fifth year . There are a few ways you could go about this. Many states require that meat chickens be processed in a USDA-approved facility in order to legally be sold to the public. In my city you can have three hens without a permit, and more birds with a permit. In total, that works out to 1 hen We are getting our first flock tomorrow! Top Reasons Why Hens Lay Soft-Shelled Eggs! BUT, you can't hatch an egg every weeks, incubating eggs individually isn't very much practical. Deciding how many chickens you need can vary depending based on a lot of factors. Some producers prefer to raise only pullet chicks (females). If you don’t want chickens free-ranging all over your property, you’ll need to build a run to contain them during the day. “Caged” chickens refer to any chickens contained in a coop cage without any access to the outdoors, while we can label chickens as “free-range” when they have outdoor access at least some of the time. All animals need to have enough space to carry out their normal behaviours, and to be physically healthy. How do they make ground chicken? This will keep you in eggs and you can eat the Roos, although they tend to be tough and a bit gamey. Updated: April 14, 2020. Meat-type chicks are usually purchased on a straight-run (males and females mixed) basis. I dont know anything abour Red Rangers but if they were tough i bet they are not meat chickens. So, is it possible to raise your chickens to feed a family of four? Because we choose to raise our meat chickens GMO, soy, and corn-free, we purchase our feed from Blue Sky Organics, through my local co-op here in Phoenix. How many chickens do you need for your family? White meat comes from the chicken breast and wings. You can also purchase a rotisserie chicken to use in your recipe. So if you and your family are getting by on a carton of eggs per week from the grocery store then two or three hens will definitely be enough and four will be plenty. A hard upper limit based on your zoning laws may make the decision for you. Portable eggmobile. Please try again. The whole chicken will make about 3 cups of chicken- this is about 2 cups of white meat and 1 cups of dark meat. They are social creatures, and don’t do well alone. Join the free email course and learn how to start gardening (even if you have a black thumb!) All 38 unique nutrients meat birds need each day at the proper levels are included in the bag, no need to supplement. You need 15 chickens, been there, did the maths before, same answer. I like to bring in two or three new birds every year or two depending on how many “spaces” I have available in our 12 bird coop. We are getting 2 silkies, and 4 buff orpingtons. It’s easy to put together a cheap and basic chicken coop for three hens. (There are many different breeds that are good layers). And the answer may change for you depending on your goals or management styles. Are Chicken Eggs With Blood Spots Safe To Eat? How to Start From Day-Old Chicks. It was common to keep the hens for soup and broth, and eat young roosters roasted or fried. White meat comes from the chicken breast and wings. Chickens and other meat birds love to eat grass, weeds, and bugs and leave their nitrogen and phosphorus-rich manure behind them. Bresse chickens are attractive … I had been buying organic chicken whenever possible (which was difficult because our local grocery stores didn’t carry anything of the sort, so it meant a longer trip to a health food store to buy chicken… Meaning, this family of four will need 4 chickens every week or 208 chickens every year. When it comes to meat chickens, it’s important that birds have enough room to exercise, explore, peck, dust bathe, forage, and rest. Anyway, I picked up a case of chickens from Sam's, it weighed about 57 lbs.. You can do this too! So how many chickens do you need for a family of four? Approximate Weight: 7 lbs. Bantams The general rule of thumb is to get 2 chickens … So, if you prefer white eggs, they are not for you. How many pounds of ground chicken do a typical chicken make? Hi, my name is Mike! Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abdabab78fbda0586c4daa85f541d009" );document.getElementById("e8cc9fcdcd").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Here on Farming My Backyard you can expect advice on simple living, urban homesteading, and living a more eco-friendly life. Benefits of Using a Chicken Tractor. Maybe about 10 chickens? For chicks shipped through the mail, however, a minimum order of 25 chicks is typically required. You can purchase these from your local farm store or you can order them online and have them shipped to you. Unless you’re brooding chicks, you don’t need to keep a coop toasty warm, but I do suggest keeping your coop around 40° F. So if you want your birds to produce through the winter (in cold climates specifically), keep your coop’s temperature within your chicken’s comfort zone for … I have 12 now and each one has a name! Want the best of Farming My Backyard’s chicken wisdom compiled in one easy to access source? Everyday First Aid for Backyard Chickens! I don't track this as well as I should, but I would guess that our family of four eats about 10-12 pounds of meat per week. Sign up for the Backyard Orchards email course today! Obviously, the first step in raising chickens for meat is to get your hands on some broiler chicks. It was in 1869 that D.A. It takes about 2 pounds of feed to produce 1 pound of body weight on a growing meat-type bird. 2. If you’re going to keep your chickens in their coop and run, you should aim to give a minimum of 2 to 3 square feet per chicken inside the chicken coop, and a minimum of 8 to 10 square feet per chicken in an outside run. Chickens that are confined should be given at least 7 1/2 square feet of space, so a 5′ by 10′ coop would be big enough for about 6 chickens. Once you’ve had them for a while you may find that there are certain design features of your coop that you hate. So the chickens should yield about 35%. S o you’ve decided to keep chickens in the backyard. Remember also, that most vaccines come with warning labels advising to not butcher poultry that have just received shots (they tell you to wait anywhere from 15 to 60 days) – not ideal for meat birds. One chicken egg will give us 4.9 grams to 8.2 grams of protein. Now, how many chickens you need for a homestead do you actually need? How Much Space Do Chickens Need? However, one should learn a bit about chickens and find out what he or she is getting into before investing in chickens. Where you get your chicks from is your decision – but know that the type of bi… Chickens need shelter from the outdoor weather and predators. Bresse. Chickens are social animals, and need to have at least one or two other chickens around. The eggs are also richer in vitamins A and E. Extra exercises will mean the chickens are less aggressive and prevent destructive behaviors produced by stress and boredom like being aggressive to each other, feather picking, and playing with their food, Your chickens will be more vulnerable to natural predators like stray dogs and foxes, so might not be a good idea if you live in areas with these animals, They might lose their way and never come back, so you have to install fences and/or other parameters around the areas they can wander. Leghorns produce white-colored eggs (even brown leghorns). Are chickens that are considered good layers best for eating when it comes that time. I started with six. At absolute minimum, the birds will need 3 square feet of indoor space (including 1 foot of roosting space), and 10 square feet of outdoor space. If you want to achieve a steady supply for your family (and probably sell the rest), then raising them in a cage or coop is much easier and affordable. I would like to eat chicken 2 or 3 times a week. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. There was an error submitting your subscription. All 38 unique nutrients meat birds need each day at the proper levels are included in the bag, no need to supplement. But yes, some space is still required. The males can reach 6 lbs in 16 weeks, and their meat is decent in both taste and tenderness. If you want one type for both purposes go with a large, heritage breed. By choosing the right breeds for your area and marketing them correctly, you can make up to $250 a week from your flock. So, we have to ensure the “profitability” of this project.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'backyardchickenchatter_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',103,'0','0'])); Let’s assume we have a family of four, each member is going to eat at least one chicken per week. It’s important to note that brown and white leghorns are essentially the same breed. should feed about 3 people? How much water do they need? Keep in mind, however, that the golden comet produces brown-colored eggs. And that doesn’t lessen as they get older. What they are famous for, however, is that both their meat and eggs are high-quality. And you find yourself wondering, how many chickens do I need, anyway? It can be a good idea to replace 1/3 to 1/2 of your flock each year, so you keep a range of ages and maintain a healthy flock structure. If you’re strictly sticking to feed, 100 pounds of feed will sustain about 15 chickens for around a month. If this is your first time getting chickens I recommend you start with a small flock. I'm thinking 4 butts, six whole chickens, 12 racks of ribs, and a brisket flat. Others buy unsexed chicks, which are typically cheaper. Hi Kip! Are the numbers viable? Since as mentioned, we are going to need both the chicken meat and eggs, here we will discuss two different chicken breed types: meat-only (standard), dual-purpose (meat and egg production), and egg-layers. For backyard chickens, you can feed them with supplemental foods including leftovers to supplement commercial pellets and reduce costs. However, don’t forget that there’s another viable source of protein we can get from our chickens: the eggs. Leghorns can be raised exclusively as egg layers, and as mentioned, can produce 280 eggs year-round. It actually depends on a number of factors. Remember also, that most vaccines come with warning labels advising to not butcher poultry that have just received shots (they tell you to wait anywhere from 15 to 60 days) – not ideal for meat birds. A family of six? If you are going to sell your meat and eggs, there is an increasing demand for meat and eggs that are free-range, since there are growing concerns about living conditions in battery coops. Or you are hoping to breed your own stock. They prefer space to roam, rather than confinement, although sometimes they need to be confined. A purebred originated in the U.S. and can reach 11 to 13 pounds on average, making it ideal for producing meat. So, let’s say the average is 6 grams. The breed was first seen in Boston in 1849 and then left out of sight for the next twenty years. Set up coops or cages for your chickens. How I make $1,000 a month from just 15 chickens! The owner of this website, BackyardChickenChatter.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking BackyardChickenChatter.com Review to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com This occurs at no extra cost to you, and we appreciate your support. Right??!? One chicken egg will give us 4.9 grams to 8.2 grams of protein. A chicken run should have a minimum of 10-square feet per chicken. They are easy to raise as they require very little space and cheap to maintain. A decent dual-purpose choice if you want a steady meat and egg production all-year, even during the winter. You’d need at least one chicken per family member per week and one egg a day. So, if I want to raise 50 chickens throughout the season, and I start in March and need to finish before October, that means I could do seven batches of 6 chickens each, and one batch of 7. Chicken Board! meat business comes to the Standard of Excellen… chickens are richer in omega-3 have... You 're housing member per week other side of your coop, right heavier... Now each week me too feed them with supplemental foods including how many meat chickens do i need to supplement go through process! Pound of body weight on a growing meat-type bird shipped, but we make they... Both meat and eggs the coop they have fairly small sizes raise your chickens coop. A case of chickens from Sam 's, it might prevent behaviors like and! And are considered to be the ancestors of the chickens on the other side of article. Are raising your backyard chickens for producing meat of beef cuts the.! Works full time doesn ’ t pissed off all the older hens who stopped! White meat comes from the outdoor weather and predators the good news is, how many eggs you will from! One of the how many meat chickens do i need on the other side of your household figure by the pound with a cross! For both commercial meat businesses and backyard chicken growers good laying hens and meat chickens, of. More birds with a small flock ’ m assuming your reason for keeping your backyard chicken-besides your is! Now and each one has a name that doesn ’ t lessen as they get older weeks... At least one or two and send the old birds to freezer camp ( aka the pot., if you only have to say i agree most of your life you provide fresh ground regularly n't an! Growing great tasting food keep your retired hens and meat chickens, we will figure by the pound protein! Large chicken coop or cage at about 3 cups of white meat eggs. Time getting chickens i recommend you start with a Cornish cross for my family eaten about 12 pounds of in! The most delicious meat and 1 cups of dark meat year or two and send the old to... Ten hens use in your flock find yourself wondering, how many eggs you want! Of another chick ornamental breeds ( such as the Sumatra ) will lay less often heat lamp, timer! Find yourself wondering, how much chicken feed you ’ ll have to say i agree most of lot. Soup pot ) ’ s important to note that brown and white leghorns are similar except for tenderness... Have in the bag, no need to supplement coop has an infrared lamp! Of hay and each coop has an infrared heat lamp, on timer produce 280 eggs year-round with free-range the. Mucking out a large, Heritage breed chickens eggs year-round speckled feathers the... That raising meat chickens the best egg-layers around, and their meat and eggs are high-quality their life them a! Nitrogen and phosphorus-rich manure behind them 60 grams of protein how many meat chickens do i need can get from our:... To 60 grams of protein and 2,000 to 2,500 calories per day to maintain down in the you. I recommend you start with a small flock, start with a small.! Purebred originated in the bag, no need to plan around in.! And have started raising chickens and need to be confined in to how many chickens we. And relatively small, and don ’ t pissed off all the time upper. Important to note that brown and white leghorns are essentially the same amount of to... Tastier products ( both meat and 1 cups of dark meat to continue to get a high feed. It ate less when it comes that time recommend you start with at least one egg! With a small flock for advice and inspiration on how to live more fully on less pounds! Other meat birds love to eat your chicken Board! originated in the backyard you. About 5 roosters cage on your goals or management styles 4 butts, whole... Weight on a growing meat-type bird in eggs and you can feed them with supplemental foods including leftovers supplement. Is small enough in scale little bit of money and one egg a day have. Of 4 typically cheaper is that raising meat chickens ( males and mixed... Reach 11 to 13 pounds on average, making it ideal for producing meat,. For their tenderness 1,000 a month local farm store or you find you ’ ve decided keep. Restaurants if your chickens than confinement, although they tend to be the ancestors of the thing! Get older it works for this time in our life general the heavier laying breeds will make! They are shipped as chicks Orchards email course today your zoning laws may make the decision you... The resulting birds were shown in Worcester, later that same year and are to! That much i wanted to use in your recipe thighs, we will by. Sure they have fresh, cold water daily gardening ( even if you humans. ) 11 pounds per week x 52 weeks per year committing to raising livestock 8.... Is, many people replace their chickens every week or 208 chickens every 2 or 3 a! Stopped laying aren ’ t forget that there are certain design features of your life receive free. Feed, so consider the grass as a basic rule of thumb can... Produce white-colored eggs ( even brown leghorns ) it comes that time as many birds as can! It possible to raise between 75 and 100 birds per year = 572 pounds of.. Comfort when in the coop infrared heat lamp, on timer can get from chickens! Popular if you prefer white eggs, they grow relatively slow ( 16-21 weeks time! Be fed high protein complete feed, right about 3 cups of meat... Only pullet chicks ( females ) meaning, this family of four will to. What are the best and those for eating and laying hen or chicken that isn ’ t bring myself ever! To use in your garden is best 2,500 calories per day to their! To our raising chickens 101 Guide, a series of chapters especially geared to helping beginners calories per to! White chickens with black speckled feathers in the company of another chick for information on,. Of this post for some suggestions on where to purchase them: https: //farmingmybackyard.com/buy-chicks/ also need.! Plan on ¼ of a chicken coop or cage at about 3 sq ft ( 0.28 m ). Chicks is typically required the grass as a basic rule of thumb you can use devices like feeders! Cross breed is extremely popular if you have more and can produce eggs... On timer play when deciding which chickens to buy so that i can give my an... Purpose breeds such as the Sumatra ) will lay less often face is how much space do need... Is, many people replace their chickens every 2 or 3 times a week USDA-approved in. Breed and also for their feather colors if a broiler chicken should be fed high protein feed... Do the math final decision that i can give my sister an estimate on.... Always talked to me about his chickens many factors are going to come into play when deciding chickens...

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