The cost to raise meat chickens typically ranges from $2 to $5 per bird, including feed, housing, and healthcare expenses.
Raising meat chickens can be rewarding, but costs vary based on breed, feed, and setup. Expect $2–$5 per bird for essentials like feed and housing. This guide breaks down expenses and offers money-saving tips.
Initial Costs of Raising Meat Chickens
Chicks
Day-old chicks cost $1–$5 each. Popular meat breeds:
- Cornish Cross: $1.50–$3 (fast-growing, 7–8 weeks)
- Freedom Rangers: $2–$4 (hardier, 11–12 weeks)
Hatcheries often include extras to account for losses. Buying in bulk can lower costs.
Brooder Setup
Essential starter items:
- Heat lamp: $15–$30
- Feeders/waterers: $20–$50
- Bedding (pine shavings): $10–$20 per batch
Reusable equipment spreads costs over multiple flocks. Learn how to transition chicks to outdoor housing.
Ongoing Expenses
Feed Costs
Feed is the biggest expense. Meat chickens eat 16–20 lbs each:
| Feed Type | Cost per 50 lb Bag | Protein Content |
|---|---|---|
| Starter (0–3 weeks) | $20–$35 | 20–22% |
| Grower (3+ weeks) | $18–$30 | 16–18% |
Pasture-raising reduces feed costs by 15–30%. Supplement with kitchen scraps and garden surplus.
Housing
Options for growing birds:
- Chicken tractors: $200–$500 (mobile, protects from predators)
- Fixed coops: $300+ (more secure but limits pasture rotation)
See coop size guidelines for proper space planning.
Processing Costs
DIY Butchering
Home processing requires equipment:
- Killing cones: $30–$60
- Plucker: $200–$600 (or build your own)
- Vacuum sealer: $50–$200
Expect 5–10 minutes per bird once you’re experienced.
Professional Processing
Commercial facilities charge $3–$8 per bird. Many require appointments months in advance.
Total Cost Breakdown
Sample costs for 50 Cornish Cross chickens:
| Expense | Cost | Per Bird |
|---|---|---|
| Chicks | $75 | $1.50 |
| Feed (18 lbs/bird) | $270 | $5.40 |
| Processing | $150 | $3.00 |
| Total | $495 | $9.90 |
At 5 lbs per bird, that’s $1.98/lb for homegrown chicken versus $4–$6/lb for store-bought organic.
Money-Saving Tips
Feed Strategies
- Buy feed in bulk (ton bags save 15–20%)
- Ferment feed to increase digestibility
- Grow fodder like barley or wheatgrass
Pasture Management
Rotate birds daily to fresh grass. This provides natural nutrition and reduces feed costs. According to From Scratch Farmstead, pasture-raised chickens need 20% less feed.
Common Challenges
Predator Protection
Secure housing is essential. Use:
- 1/2″ hardware cloth (not chicken wire)
- Electric poultry netting for free-range birds
- Guard animals like livestock dogs
Health Issues
Meat chickens are prone to:
- Leg problems (reduce protein after 3 weeks)
- Heart issues (avoid rapid growth breeds if concerned)
- Heat stress (provide shade and ventilation)
For more on chicken behavior, see why chickens peck their eggs.
Is It Worth It?
Benefits beyond cost savings:
- Control over feed quality (organic, non-GMO)
- Humane treatment
- Superior flavor and texture
- Fertilizer for gardens
As noted by homesteaders, the satisfaction of self-sufficiency often outweighs the labor involved.