From Chick to Freezer Starts Here

If you have ever wanted to fill your freezer with home-raised chicken, now is the time to start.
Over the next few weeks, I will walk you through every step. From picking the right breed to processing day, you will have a clear plan that works on any scale.

We are starting with the most important step.

Choosing the Right Meat Bird

• Cornish Cross – Fast growing, heavy meat yield, ready in 6 to 8 weeks

• Red Ranger or Freedom Ranger – More active birds, take a few weeks longer, but have a richer flavor

• Dual-Purpose Breeds – Slower, leaner, better for small-scale mixed flocks

Your choice will affect feed costs, the time it takes to finish them, and how much freezer space you will need. Think about how much chicken your family eats and how often you want to do a batch.

Why This Matters
The breed you choose sets the pace for the whole process. It decides how much feed you will buy, when you process, and how your birds behave on pasture. A good match means healthier birds and better meat.

Fun Fact
Cornish Cross meat chickens can reach full processing weight in as little as six weeks. That is faster than any other common livestock, which is why they are our go-to choice for meat birds.

Tool I Recommend
If you are raising meat birds on pasture, a chicken tractor will make your life easier. I recommend this one:
See the chicken tractor I recommend
It is sturdy, easy to move, and keeps birds safe from predators while letting them enjoy fresh grass. I have seen these hold up season after season. Using this link is the best way to support the work I do here.

In the next few weeks, we will cover:

• Feeding from chick to finish

• Building or setting up a pasture pen

• What to expect on processing day

If you have ever thought raising your own meat was too hard or too much work, you will see how simple it can be when you have a plan.

— Tim Parker
Start My Homestead