Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Meat Chickens for Beginners

 

 

👋 Introduction

 

 

Raising meat chickens at home is one of the most rewarding (and delicious) homestead projects. Whether you want healthier food, to avoid factory farms, or just love chickens — this guide will walk you through everything from chick to freezer.

At Open Sky Poultry, we raise happy, healthy birds on pasture using simple, affordable gear — and we’ll share exactly what works.

🐣 1. Choose the Right Breed

Before anything, decide which breed fits your goals:

Breed	Grow Time	Flavor	Temperament
Cornish Cross	6-8weeks	Mild	Calm but lazy
Freedom Rangers	9-11weeks	Richer	Active, forage    well
Red Rangers	11-13 weeks	Heritage-style	Hardy

🏡 2. Set Up a Simple Brooder (Week 0–3)

You’ll need:

 

• Heat source: 
• Bedding: Pine shavings (no newspaper)
• Feeder & waterer: 

🛠️ Keep temperature at:

 

• 95°F week 1
• Drop by 5°F each week

Tip: Use a plastic tote or cardboard box for up to 20 chicks.

 🌿 3. Move to Pasture (Week 3+)

Once feathered, transition birds outside to fresh grass daily.

We recommend:

 

• Chicken tractor setup with Rotational Grazing
• Move it daily
• Provide shade + wind protection

 This method:

✅ Keeps birds clean

✅ Prevents disease

✅ Adds flavor from fresh forage

 🐓 4. Feed Properly for Growth + Health

Stick to high-protein feed:

Stage	Feed Type	Protein
0-3 weeks	Starter	20 -22%
3-8  weeks	Grower	18-20%

🧂 Optional: Ferment feed in a 5-gallon bucket to boost digestion and reduce waste.

 🧼 5. Keep It Clean (But Simple)

 

 

• Raise waterers to avoid wet bedding
• Change pasture daily
• Scoop any wet areas in brooder

🛑 6. Watch for Health Issues

Common problems:

 

• Leg weakness → Fix with better traction + minerals
• Heat stress → Shade + electrolytes
• Pasty butt (chicks) → Clean gently with warm water

🧃 Keep poultryelectrolytes on hand:

🔗 Save-A-ChickElectrolytes 

🔪 7. Process Humanely & Efficiently

Typical weights:

 

• Cornish Cross: 5–6 lbs at 7–8 weeks
• Freedom Rangers: 6–7 lbs at 10 weeks

Essentials:

 

• Kill cone
• Scalder
• Plucker (optional but worth it)

📦 Final Thoughts

Raising meat chickens at home is easier than you think — and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps and your birds will live a great life… and fill your freezer with better meat than the store.