One great benefit of backyard meat chickens is that they produce a great deal of fertilizer. Not only do the chickens forage in the fall and scratch around the garden during winter, they also eat bugs and pests that can cause problems in the garden. This will keep those pests at bay.
Backyard meat chickens are easy to raise and are inexpensive. Unlike cows and sheep, they don’t require as much space. A few chickens in your backyard can provide plenty of meat for your family. These birds are a great way to enjoy the benefits of backyard farming without sacrificing quality.
Depending on the breed you choose, you can choose between chickens that lay eggs and those that lay meat. There are many breeds of both types available, including Red Ranger, Freedom Ranger, and Sussex. Some of these breeds are slow-growing while others are more prolific. Some meat chickens can reach their target weight in six to eight weeks, while egg-laying chickens can lay eggs for as long as six years.
Freedom Rangers are an excellent choice for beginners. Their eggs are large and brown and are excellent for both cooking and eating. Freedom Rangers also produce tasty and tender meat. However, they require a new flock of chicks every year and can be expensive to keep. While they can be a great option for your backyard, they’re not for everyone.
As chickens are a gateway animal, they take up very little space. In eight to twelve weeks, you can raise sixty to seventy chickens. A single flock of this size can produce about four hundred pounds of meat. They can also be a great 4H/FFA project. And, they can produce a variety of sizes. In addition to meat, they can also produce lard. This fat is good for cooking and can replace butter or oils.
Backyard meat chickens can be an excellent way to provide protein to your family. These birds are not cheap to raise, but you can earn some extra cash by raising them. Just remember that they require daily care, such as watering and moving. If you have the space and time, raising a flock of backyard meat chickens can be a lucrative side-income.
When it comes to keeping chickens, you should look for chickens with large combs. They are usually more hardy than smaller ones, and their bodies retain heat. You should also look for roosters, as they have larger combs. This makes them less likely to get frostbite on their comb.
