The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Meat Chickens

Raising meat chickens is a highly rewarding experience. It not only allows you to take control of your food source but also provides the satisfaction of raising birds humanely, knowing exactly where your food comes from. Meat chickens, also known as broilers, have been selectively bred to grow quickly and produce tender, flavorful meat. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right breed to preparing for processing day.

1. Choosing the Right Breed Of Meat Chickens

Selecting the right breed is key to a successful meat chicken project. Some chickens are raised specifically for meat, with the most popular being the Cornish Cross and Red Rangers:

Cornish Cross: This breed is known for its rapid growth and large breast meat, typically reaching market weight in 6 to 8 weeks. However, Cornish Cross chickens require more management because their fast growth can lead to health issues if not appropriately monitored.
Red Rangers: These birds grow more slowly, maturing in about 12 weeks. This slower growth allows them more time to develop flavor, resulting in leaner, more robust meat. Additionally, they are more active, making them a suitable choice for pastured setups.

When selecting your breed, consider your time commitment, available space, and whether you prefer a slightly leaner bird (Red Ranger) or a more tender one (Cornish Cross). It’s also important to order your chicks from a reputable hatchery and plan your purchase according to your climate and the ideal growing season.

2. Preparing the Brooder

Once your chicks arrive, they’ll need a warm and secure space called a brooder. Here’s how to set it up:

Space Requirements: Plan for ½ square foot per chick, expanding as they grow.
Temperature Control: Start with a brooder temperature of 95°F (35°C), reducing it by 5°F each week until the chicks are fully feathered. Heat lamps are common, but brooder plates provide a safer, even heat.
Bedding: Use wood shavings or straw, and replace the bedding frequently to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.
Safety: Protect the brooder with a secure lid or screen to keep chicks safe from predators and prevent them from escaping.

If you’d like to know more about preparing the brooder and getting ready for baby chicks, I’ve gone into greater detail in my post:
Ultimate Guide You Need To Read Before Raising Baby Chicks

3. Feeding And Watering

The diet of your chicks significantly influences their growth and overall health. Begin with a high-protein chick starter feed that contains 20-24% protein. This type of feed is essential for supporting their development during the first few weeks.

Feed Changes: Around 4 weeks of age, transition to a grower feed with approximately 18-20% protein. To avoid digestive issues, mix the old feed with the new during the transition instead of making a sudden change.
Water Management: Always ensure that your chicks have access to fresh, clean water. Adding electrolytes to their water for the first few days can enhance their immune systems.
Preventing Overeating: For breeds like Cornish Cross, consider feeding them on a 12-hour schedule instead of allowing free-feeding. This approach can help prevent health issues related to overeating.

By providing a balanced diet along with plenty of clean water, your birds will grow steadily and be well-prepared for the next stages of their development.

4. Transitioning Meat Chickens to a Coop or Pasture

Once your chicks are fully feathered and around 3 to 4 weeks of age, they are ready to leave the brooder. Transitioning them to an outdoor coop or pasture setup provides fresh air, exercise, and natural foraging access.

Coop Setup: Ensure that the coop provides at least 1 to 2 square feet per bird inside. For outdoor runs, aim for approximately 5 square feet per bird. The coop should be draft-free yet well-ventilated to ensure the chickens are comfortable.
Pasture Benefits: Allowing chickens to roam on pasture gives them access to bugs, grass, and fresh air, which can enhance the flavour and nutritional profile of their meat. Consider rotating pastures every couple of days to keep the ground fresh and minimize disease risk.

Providing outdoor space for chickens encourages natural behaviors, adds variety to their diet, and contributes to healthier and happier birds.

5. Monitor Health and Growth

Meat chickens, particularly fast-growing breeds, can be susceptible to health issues. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent problems and ensure healthy growth in your birds.

Weekly Weigh-ins: Weighing your chickens weekly helps ensure they are meeting growth milestones and allows you to identify any issues early on.
Leg Health: Rapid weight gain can lead to leg problems, especially in Cornish Cross chickens. To slow down their growth if necessary, consider limiting access to feeders overnight.
Basic Health Checks: Look for signs of good health, such as clean nostrils, clear eyes, and shiny feathers. If a chicken appears unwell, isolate it and check for symptoms of common issues like respiratory infections or bumblefoot (sores on the feet).

By maintaining a routine of health checks, you can effectively monitor any growth or health concerns in your flock.

6. Preparing To Process Meat Chickens

Depending on your knowledge, this can be challenging and messy. If you know what you’re doing to process chickens, you’ll need the steps below. If you’re not experienced, I recommend going to a processing facility or farm nearby that has the knowledge and experience to do this with the utmost care. It may cost a little, but the bird’s safety is the most important thing.

Preparation: About 8 to 12 hours before processing, remove the feed to allow the chickens’ digestive systems to clear. Be sure to continue providing them with fresh water during this time.
Equipment: Essential butchering supplies include a killing cone, sharp knives, a large pot for scalding, and a feather plucker or a tub for hand-plucking. Ensure all equipment is cleaned and sanitized before use.
Ethical Practices: Treat your birds calmly and with respect throughout the process. Using a swift and humane method is vital for both ethical considerations and the quality of the meat.

Again, processing is an important step that can be managed at home with some practice and the right tools or outsourced to a local processing facility.

Storing and Using The Meat

Once your birds are processed, proper storage is essential for maintaining freshness and flavor.

Storage Tips: Whole chickens can be vacuum-sealed and frozen for up to a year. If you plan to cut them into parts, package each piece individually for easier use.
Using the Meat: There are countless ways to enjoy your homegrown chicken. Consider roasting, grilling, or making a nourishing broth from the leftover bones. Each chicken cut, from wings to thighs to breasts, offers versatility for your meals.

Raising meat chickens is a fulfilling journey. It offers delicious, homegrown food and a deeper connection to sustainable living. Start small, learn as you go, and adjust your practices based on your environment and preferences. Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below. Good luck, and enjoy the rewards of raising your own meat chickens!