Raising broiler chooks

Discussion in 'Breeding, Raising, Feeding and Caring for Animals' started by DJ-Studd, Feb 7, 2012.

  1. DJ-Studd

    DJ-Studd Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2007
    Messages:
    204
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Hi,
    I'm looking to do the sums on raising broiler chooks.

    Joel Salatin says "A couple working six months per year for 50 hours per week on 20 acres can net $25,000-$30,000 per year with an investment equivalent to the price of one new medium-sized tractor".

    I'm yet to bring myself to spend the money on his book due to tight financials right now, but I was wondering if anybody had done the sums for a similar setup in Australia?

    My Googling suggests day old chicks $1.50ea, abattoir fee of up to $4ea, plus feed and labour. You've lost $5.50 per bird before feed and labour costs, then there is figuring out a market, etc. Plus free range accreditation etc.

    I have the time, I have the land and I most probably have access to the startup capital. I just don't see how I can find hundreds of customers off the bat.

    Is there anybody that has done this on a medium scale?
     
  2. Terra

    Terra Moderator

    Joined:
    May 16, 2007
    Messages:
    757
    Likes Received:
    23
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Have a look at turkeys , lot bigger bird , easy market in early december for obvious reasons (get birds heavy enough at the right time) you could even sell a large percentage live , i did this several times as a youngster of course lot less regulations way back then . Anything to do with fresh food is full of fees and charges ATTACHED to the regulations (no surprise) .
     
  3. mike

    mike Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2009
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Do the killing and dressing yourself,there is a big slice of your profit tied up in paying someone else to do it.
     
  4. Pakanohida

    Pakanohida Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2011
    Messages:
    2,984
    Likes Received:
    20
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Look up the linda woodrow system so you don't have to buy or buy as much feed. I have had it in place for 6 months and I already see stellar changes to my property with only 1 rooster and 3 hens. The eggs are also the best thing I have ever had. I thought arrogantly growing up the NYC would always have the best food, now that I am older and wiser.. the best tasting, and healthiest food is the stuff I grow myself.
     

Share This Page

-->