Raising Meat Chickens for Beginners

Ever wonder where the chicken meat you buy at the store actually comes from?

A lot of people don’t think much about it, but raising your own chickens for meat gives you a chance to see the whole process up close.

If you're just getting started, you can check out raising chickens for beginners to learn the basics before getting into raising them for food.

Raising your own chickens means fresh, homegrown meat right in your backyard.

It’s a great way to take control of your food and really know where your meals come from (especially if you're all about eating healthier and knowing what's on your plate).

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about raising meat chickens, from the best breeds to when to start, where to find healthy chicks, how to set up their space, what to feed them, and when it’s time to butcher them for meat. 

So, let’s not waste any more time and get started.

Which Breeds Are Best for Meat Production?

Cornish Cross Chickens

Cornish Cross chickens are the most commonly used breed in commercial meat production due to their rapid growth.

In just 6 to 8 weeks, they can reach weights of 5 to 7 pounds, although they may sometimes take up to 10 weeks if you're aiming for a heavier bird (8 pounds or more).

This makes them an excellent option if you're looking to produce meat in a short amount of time.

However, there are a few things to consider. As these chickens get larger, they tend to slow down and become less active. Instead of wandering around, they usually stay near the feeder, focusing on eating.

If your goal is to produce flavorful white meat, especially chicken breasts, Cornish Cross are a great choice. Just be aware that they might not behave like typical chickens, as they tend to have a more sedentary lifestyle.

Red Ranger Chickens

Red Ranger chickens are also a great choice, though compared to Cornish Cross, they grow at a slower pace.

They are good at finding their own food, which can help you save on feed costs since they are excellent foragers. If you let them roam, they can supplement their diet with what they find.

Typically, they take about 10-12 weeks to reach a weight of 4 to 6 pounds. They have a more balanced body shape, although their breasts are smaller compared to Cornish Crosses.

Unlike Cornish Cross, Red Rangers behave more like regular chickens and enjoy spending time outdoors.

When choosing between these breeds, consider what you want from your meat chickens. If you're looking for quick growth and plenty of white meat, Cornish Cross is a good choice.

But if you prefer chickens that can forage and behave more naturally while still providing good meat, Red Rangers might be the better option for you.

When Should You Start Raising Meat Chickens?

You can start raising meat chickens in the spring or early summer when the weather is warm. This is really important because young chicks need warmth to grow properly.

If it's too cold, they can become stressed or even sick. Warmer weather allows them to roam, eat grass, and forage for bugs, which helps them grow healthier.

If you do end up starting later in the year, there are some steps you can take to ensure your chicks thrive.

Make sure they have a reliable heat source, like heat lamps, to keep their coop warm. Adding extra bedding can also help retain warmth.

On cooler days, you might want to limit their outdoor time until they are big enough to handle the lower temperatures.

By taking these precautions, you can still help your chicks grow strong even if you begin raising them later than planned.

Where to Buy Chicks for Raising?

If you're thinking about getting chicks, there are a few good places to check out.

Most feed stores will have chicks in the spring, usually from March to May, though some might carry them year-round.

The good thing about buying from a local feed store is you can see the chicks in person before you buy them, so you can make sure they look healthy.

The downside is that they usually only have a handful of the more common breeds available.

If you're interested in a specific or rare breed, you might want to consider ordering from a hatchery. Many hatcheries will ship chicks directly to your door and typically have a much wider variety of breeds to choose from.

Some even offer online ordering and home delivery, which is convenient if you can’t find what you want locally.

Another option is to check out local farmers or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace.

Some individuals sell chicks directly, and while this can be a good way to find what you're looking for, be sure to ask about the chicks' health.

Regardless of where you decide to purchase your chicks, it's always a good idea to confirm they’ve been vaccinated against common diseases like Marek’s disease.

This helps them get off to a healthier start and can save you some headaches down the road.

How Do You Prepare for When Chicks Arrived In Your Home?

When your chicks arrive, they might be a bit stressed from the shipping, so it's important to handle them gently.

Take a moment to check each one for any signs of issues, such as pasty bottoms or signs of weakness.

Dip their beaks in water to show them where to drink, and ensure they have easy access to their food. This helps them settle in and start eating and drinking right away.

Once they're in the brooder, keep an eye on them. It’s normal for chicks to be uneasy at first as they adjust to their new environment.

If you notice them gathering under the heat lamp, they might be cold and need more warmth. However, if they’re staying away from the lamp and spreading out, they may be too hot.

You'll likely need to adjust the heat as needed to ensure they're comfortable and at the right temperature.

What Are the Basic Needs of Meat Chicks?

Beddings

You may want to use beddings like pine shavings in their brooder. It helps keep things clean and gives them good soft spot to walk around. Don’t forget to change the bedding regularly so it stays fresh and dry.

Grit

You’ll also want to provide some grit once they start munching on solid food. Grit helps them digest their food better, and you can easily grab some chick grit at the feed store. 

Feed

For their feed, start with a good chick starter that has about 20-22% protein to help them grow quickly and strong for meat. 

You’ll also want to keep fresh water available all the time using a chick waterer to avoid any spills in their area that might irritate your chicks.

How to Handle Common Health Issues with Your Chickens?

Sometimes your chickens will run into problems that you just can’t avoid, so it’s a good idea to be ready to handle them ahead of time.

External Parasites

A common issue is mites and lice, which can make your chickens itchy and uncomfortable, so be sure to check their feathers regularly.

If you notice any signs of these pests, treat them with appropriate products, such as sprays or powders specifically designed for chickens. These are usually available at most feed stores.

Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues are another concern, especially in older birds. These problems can arise if they’re kept in cramped conditions or if there isn’t sufficient airflow.

To prevent this, ensure they have enough space to move around and keep their coop clean and well-ventilated.

You may also want to consult a vet as they can recommend antibiotics or other treatments to address the issues of your chickens.

Nutrition Deficiencies

Make sure your chickens are getting all the proper nutrients in their diet, like protein and vitamins, to help them grow strong. You can even add things like garlic or herbs to their feed for an extra boost.

Keep an eye out also for diseases like Fowl Cholera and Newcastle Disease. These can really hit older chickens hard and spread fast if you’re not careful.

If you see any chickens looking sick, isolate them right away to stop any illnesses from spreading.

When is the Right Time to Butcher your Meat Chickens?

The right time to butcher your meat chickens really depends on the breed. For Cornish Cross chickens, they’re usually ready around 6 to 8 weeks old.

By then, they’ll typically weigh between 5–7 pounds, depending on how you're raising them. This is an ideal size, as they won’t be so heavy that they develop leg issues.

If you're raising slower-growing breeds, like some heritage types, you’ll want to wait a bit longer, usually around 10 to 12 weeks.

These birds take more time to reach their ideal weight, which is typically around 4–6 pounds. Just keep an eye on how they're growing.

However, be careful not to wait too long, as it can affect the meat quality, particularly the tenderness and flavor.

So, it's a good idea to stick to those ideal timeframes and not push it much past that.

Raising your own meat chickens can take some effort, but it’s definitely worth it.

You get fresh, homegrown meat right in your backyard, and you know exactly where it’s coming from. It’s a satisfying feeling to know you’ve put in the work and care in raising them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)