10 Years' Experience Raising Broiler Chickens on Pasture for Commercial Sale

Today Hilarie and I are repairing broiler chicken pasture boxes and moving a batch of broiler chicks onto pasture. Along the way, I explain how our boxes are constructed and how we raise broiler chickens on pasture, along with answering frequently asked questions about the process.
-We do not offer farm tours or accept visitors
-We do not sell from the farm
-We do not ship our farm's products
-We do not sell live animals
Mailing Address:
Just a Few Acres Farm
PO Box 269
Lansing, NY 14882
Instagram: justafewacr...
To order Pete's book; "A Year and a Day on Just a Few Acres:" www.amazon.com/Year-Day-Just-...

[@Aussie-6869]

Pete, Im absolutely filled with gratitude right now, my heart is straight up beating outside my chest. My father-in-law decided to retire from his dairy herd this week after 40 years, leaving us with 85 acres (60 cultivatable acres) to farm with! We were going to try and start with some broilers on part of the farm this year and was getting ready to shoot you an email to ask a few questions, you have answered basically all of them here! For a new and young farmer, this has literally made the world of difference for me in making our dream/goal come true. I've still got my town job and we have an old old farmhouse to fix up but you are absolutely inspiring and providing an amazing wealth of information. Thank you - from a farmer north of the border.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

That's awesome Austin! My #1 goal is to help folks getting started out.

[@Aussie-6869]

@@JustaFewAcresFarm Thank you Pete! Been watching for two years now preparing for this moment. I have watched so many of your videos 100 of times, I will be back to watch them again as we start renovating our pastures. Feel like in many ways, I am you younger but also 20 years in the future, it is amazing to watch it all evolve! Thank you for being wonderful and sharing, I will be forever grateful!

[@genewileyopa]

@@JustaFewAcresFarm We had 12 meat birds C.C. that we got back at the end of March, and went 7 weeks They dress out at 5.5 Lbs. They were raised inside. Now we have 15 more growing. Thanks Pete. Your a big help to lots of people.

[@robreesor5011]

@@Aussie-6869 by north of the border Im guessing you mean Canada...so before you rush into chickens like Pete has or the way he sells them and such I would look into our Canadian laws around them and the requirements you need...they will be much different than the laws Pete has to work around or with in. And they may be different from province to province as well. Looking into those laws could save you some money and could also save you from catching fines if the laws arent followed. Hopefully your able to butcher them on farm like Pete can otherwise taking a heap of chickens to a butcher might get expencive. Anyway best of luck to you.👍

[@bslturtle]

Pete is a great guy and has help us bunches too! Thanks Pete (and Hillery)

[@ritcheymt]

Pete, I subscribe to several regenerative farming and permaculture channels, and I've got to thank you for your succinct delivery of information. A lot of channels seem to think that viewers want to watch a bunch of off-topic vlog-type fluff before getting to the meat of the video. I'm not that kind of viewer. I don't videos from KZbinrs who think every little detail of their daily routine is soooo interesting that they don't cover the video title's topic until 5-9 minutes in. Your entire video was full of good, useful content and no fluff. Thanks!

[@charlieb9384]

Pete your videos are always top tier . I'm glad I found your channel , I really love the vids🙏🏼👍🏼

[@HomesteadForALiving]

Inspiring! We’re just getting our operation going on an acre. We only had a couple hundred budget, but we’re already running the incubator and making sales!

[@JarodShapiro]

Great job!!! Keep up the good work!

[@suburbangardenpermaculture3117]

When you say making sales, can you share how? As whole birds on-farm butchered, or sending to a processor? Or selling live birds?

[@HomesteadForALiving]

@@suburbangardenpermaculture3117 definitely live birds! I think that market is posed to explode with the government killing off poultry with their bird flu narrative, and egg/meat prices hyperinflating rapidly. I’m also currently raising up two dozen to slaughter and trade for a quarter of a beef cow. Essentially I’ll get organic grass fed beef for $1.50 a pound (When you factor in our chicken feed inputs) We sell chicks, and pullets have been surprisingly popular. We’ll be making lots of videos on this and how we’re marketing them soon

[@nickv5013]

@@HomesteadForALiving how do you go about finding buyers?

[@jamesspry3294]

@@nickv5013 talk to people about what you did on the weekend etc. People are crying out for authenticity! Just be genuine and honest. Also, doesn't hurt to throw them a dozen eggs, or share a wing or drumstick with them. Once they taste it... 😌

[@zgoat4127]

Confident but yet humble enough understand change is a constant

[@damilitantone]

Hilarie seems like a sweet woman and she's right there with you holding it down. You are truly blessed.

[@25Soupy]

I can't believe this is now my 3rd year of watching the broilers going out on pasture. Time really does fly!

[@Kepharocks]

Great stuff Brother! Your Bride is such a gift to you and the farm.

[@juliannedispain1637]

Another great video Pete! I always enjoy watching you and Hilarie work together.

[@robertgoss6564]

I have nothing to do with agriculture or livestock, but I could listen to you for hours, as you chatter along in your easy, straightforward style. It doesn't matter that I know precious little about cattle or chickens or pastures, your good-sense oratory holds lessons in practical thinking for many other areas of life. Thanks a million, Pete.

[@andrewsamanthamadison3320]

Hillary looked like a BOSS filling that feed trough with the 5 gallon bucket!

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

LOL, she's done it thousands of times!

[@djs1244]

gotta love the "experts" telling you how to do it pete haha

[@klazyy641]

One of your best episodes yet, Pete! Practical information, well thought out rational on your feeding of those feathered monsters, wise update on your tractors, and obvious care taken when you transferred the squawkers from one location to another were highlights that I soaked up. Well done, indeed---both of you.

[@johnsandell4501]

Pete, your analytical skills are amazing. We enjoy your channel and wish you many successes.

[@sandymaholik5506]

Enjoyed the question answer with bird songs in the background today.🐦

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Excellent tutorial on broiler chickens Mr. Pete! Yes sir we know Ms. Hilarie. She's the lady of few words with a big smile who's always the greatest asset of Just A Few Acres Farm. 😊

[@harrisonchevy4452]

Good day Pete. Very informative, fun 🤩 video. Glad you keep some of your methods private from competition

[@B14k3]

Wow this channel is incredible

[@AhmadAli-uu3tr]

I love how generous you are with sharing your knowledge. You are awesome!

[@jessicabuckman9675]

Pete you explain things for a non farmer can understaand, keep up the good work.

[@ceepark114]

We do a set up like yours for raising the Cornish cross. When we process them we cut up the carcass into pieces then put them individually into shrink bags. Otherwise we were wasting too much meat when we kept them whole.

[@herbhouston5378]

I am always eagerly awaiting your videos! They're more than interesting. You provide a ton of information and humor and a genuine example of love between a man and a woman that's real and not contrived. It's refreshing to see. Thank you both❤

[@anthonyhengst2908]

It's funny, for our poultry fly control we use jars. Then my daughter tries using ordinary fly strips and it's fun to watch the chickens pick the flies right off the strips. My daughter is trying this as an FFA project/experiment. We'll see how this goes. Experimentation I think is key to most enterprises.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

I am surprised you would need fly control for chickens. Ours just eat them.

[@anthonyhengst2908]

@@JustaFewAcresFarm I know. I would of thought that too. Maybe we should move them a little more often. I don't know.

[@anthonyhengst2908]

@@mwilliamshs yeah yeah, sorry I was typing in a hurry. Planting corn to much multitasking. I apologize.

[@anthonyhengst2908]

@@mwilliamshs Uncle!!! Uncle!!! I give up!!!

[@santoshgurung638]

Thanks for the videos. Just goin go to bed after watching this.

[@sherrymilen4172]

Another wonderful, informative video! Your videos are a pleasure to watch!

[@vstrom9586]

Seems you have it well organized & keeping things simple

[@gubmentchz3570]

Great video Pete. This will be our 3rd year running a similar setup. I watched your videos among others in the beginning to get started. Thank you for all that you do and good luck this season.

[@JoeSmith-xq8sz]

I love how genuine you seem! I run a skirt around my chicken tractors that I made with hardware cloth and 2×2's then I put landscaping blocks on them for weight. It stopped all predation. I have a very covered area where I raise my chickens and haven't had any issues!

[@LinessaFarms]

Great video. I really like the waterers that attach to a 5 gallon bucket. I will have to see where I can find some.

[@allenferry9632]

I've raised Cornish cross as well as other large breeds on pasture and every time I butchered the other breeds I've said these are good but. The Cornish have no buts. They are cheaper to raise ,easier to dress and always more tender.

[@burkswaldeck2743]

I learned some stuff. The butchering is what has stopped me so far along with not knowing the regulations. Thank you for sharing.

[@dragonfarm2texas518]

Thanks Pete and Hilary!!!

[@ryantozier6609]

Can’t say enough about how valuable your content has been for us! Thanks so much!

[@FlamingShamrockFarm-sq9qh]

This is my first year trying chickens, running two tractors. I'm looking forward to this whole process.

[@ChrisSmith-io5vw]

APM watch this one again hey Pete I'm watching this one again this is February 2023 he have done redundant super c and put a tricycle front end on it you did a great job I don't have anything to tell you to do I like you and Hillary good I enjoy your shows I watched most of them two or three times I hope you get a little bit of something out everyday every time I watch it I like to go back and watch all the dishes and stuff I wish we were friends thank God for you and Miss Hillary y'all mean so much to me amen

[@TopMonkey2]

This was a really great video Pete. Thanks for sharing this. Always helpful content.

[@billymc1628]

I seen another farmer build his out of PVC piping which may make it lighter when moving. I love all your explanations and by the way Hillary is beautiful and y'all's relationship is awesome

[@suechambers5123]

As always, Pete, very informative and entertaining video. Thanks.

[@bigboar8678]

Atleast you are helping ppl and telling them the problems you ran into

[@patriciaabell9393]

I really enjoy hearing all the birds sing throughout your videos! Thanks for the awesome input!:-)

[@donovancoughlin]

Your personality is wonderful!!! Your information is spot on!!! Thank you!!!

[@jameswolfe8853]

I really enjoy your videos, whenever I see a new one I watch it after I get off work to relax.

[@LanceMcCormick]

Man owns dozen tractors but won't by battery stapler! Haha Everything loves chicken! Nice job!

[@evquinn2156]

Like he said - tough to justify if it’s not used often. That’s why folks have to do ‘death cleaning’ so often. We own too much stuff.

[@zpetersen8136]

I'm starting a 100 acre farm. I'm making10 12'x40' skiffs that are essential high tunnels. I took Joel's design and ran with it. I'm including wheels that connect to a pto driven pump to raise and lower them. With modern tech I don't get how people still think the natural way isn't feasible. Thank you for your videos!

[@littleedenalpacafarm4967]

Can I start by telling you that you are one of the few KZbinrs I watch. It was so refreshing being able to see a fellow 50plus 2nd career farmer on video to inspire my husband and I that it wasn't too late for us. It is wonderful seeing young families with small kids doing the homestead thing but it is quite another seeing someone my age doing it and doing it well. I learn something new each and every video on how to do it better/smarter. What I can't find in your videos though is your chicken processing set up! Our family has done meat birds over the last 3 years so we do not need another video showing how to butcher & clean a chicken. However, the set up that you find works best for you to minimize cramped hands and sore backs would be 100% welcomed. It is physically demanding to say the least. PS the pull bar on that chicken tractor to get the birds to the front - God Send! Those tricks of the trade is what this 55 yo retired ED nurse/city girl and 68 yo retired Resp Therapist from NY - turned farmers - need the most! Keep up the great videos!!

[@randywilson9611]

Good video Pete good to see y'all again from Louisiana

[@farmright3476]

Pete a couple years ago I watched a video for a school assignment and I ended up jeep watching your videos I was always excited for a new video to come out wasn’t a big fan about the winter ones but it is what it is but you inspired me to want to be a small farmer one day and now I have my own Cornish cross broilers and some goats and we are looking to get cows you have inspired my journey and I am only 14 years old

[@westmichigancountryboy3229]

Thanks for that video Pete. I’m 15 and just bought 20 cornish X birds and plan to sell them. That video really helped

[@edwardzarnowski5558]

Good for you!

[@donnazavitz1095]

Thanks Pete. You have answered most of my thoughts. Blessings from Ontario 🇨🇦

[@jserink1]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Cheers, jim

[@DennyMunson]

I’m so glad I found your channel. Learned quite a bit in just this video.

[@georgeniewoudt6640]

As always a great video. Great to see you and Hilarie working together and supporting each other on the farm.

[@billmansfield309]

Great class ! Thanks for sharing your hard earned knowledge

[@spacemanspiffy6596]

1st time watching channel and I am seeing a lot of bright/good ideas/builds around you farm! I like!

[@rogerlandry7660]

Great video! I’m just about to start with my first batch of broilers…..thanks for the inspiration!

[@mgguygardening]

Awesome video Pete. Thank you for the Q&A segment, very imformative!

[@kellypowell8282]

Still love your channel. Keep up the channel with your wisdom and insight. Thanks

[@KatherineTheGr8t]

You are so easy to listen to and watch and glean information from, thanks Mr. Pete 😃

[@mattclark5480]

Environment makes a big difference in a lot of things. Thanks for the video Pete 👍

[@704406bbl]

I really enjoy the videos. So much practical info. We're going up up Joel Salatin's farm Saturday for the Lunatic tour. Been putting lots of things in place to start the chicken tractors out here on our farm. Will have to give the Cornish cross chickens a try. Thanks for taking time to share with us all. Best of everything to you and Hillary.

[@Dan-qy1rg]

There's a lot of work that goes into raising chickens the way you do. I tip my hat to you, having the drive to do this for that many years is impressive. My wife and I did raise some Cornish cross and our first time we only lost a few, but it sure was a lot of work. Thanks Pete, have a great weekend.

[@mikemulligan4117]

Pete... I wanted to tell you that you've been an inspiration to me over the past year or so. So much so that my wife and I recently purchased 11 acres of pasture and are starting a hay and lavender operation. Thank you!

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Congratulations Mike!!

[@overwatch2671]

Thanks Pete Very good information. Great job in explaining the importance of small farmers. We need more people like you in this country.

[@danielmarks505]

Outstanding information. Love these types of videos!

[@jeannedigennaro6484]

Great job explaining these details about chicken farming.

[@realpine]

You are not just chicken keeper!! you so wonderful moderator!! really good speaker!!

[@rayyoung7780]

Pete you are a great teacher. It is, I think, both your gift and your passion. Good work.

[@tylerbihlmaier8215]

Watched your farm story and being frugal and the video strating a debt free farm. These videos helped me in something that's been on my mind and I just wanted to say thanks. Also I enjoy your positive attitude it's so refreshing to see some positive. I've been trying to keep myself surrounded by positive people. It helps me stay positive. Thanks again.

[@caressamorgan7544]

I love how helpful you are. Sharing your knowledge along with the neat money saving ideas you’ve learned throughout the years is so kind of you! I am learning so much and am looking to you to learn about meat chickens, housing, etc before I start. Thank you so much. May you and your family be blessed.

[@cherylmillard2067]

You and Hillary make my day and leave me smiling. I love the science behind your explanations.

[@GenevieveGarbutt]

Another great video Pete! Sharing your knowledge along with the neat money saving ideas you’ve learned throughout the years is so kind of you! Your channel is so enjoyable You do such a great job 😀❣

[@jessicabuckman9675]

Pete and Hillary alwys do a great job explaining things, even when he's out cutting the hay on his tractor. They are a great couple. ,

[@nobullinvestments]

Bought 4 of these from Hilarie, I while back they were amazing! )))

[@jcamisa50]

Good info Pete . Unfortunately I do not have a farm like you but I'm living farm life through you and Hillary. Thanks again.

[@smirni2011]

Lo felicito,son muy instructivas sus explicaciones.Todos los días veo sus videos como un libro y los repaso todo el tiempo.Gracias es usted muy amable.Saludos a su Señora…..👍🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷

[@alanviner3711]

ALWAYS INFORMATIVE WE LOVE IT

[@mmanut]

ALWAYS SOLID INFO ‼️ THANK YOU, Vinny 🇺🇸

[@BRUtahn]

You have me so excited to start my small farm!!! Have it, just waiting till warmer weather to move in!

[@msw00]

Looks like summer routine is about to take off at your farm. That grass is looking good for all your critters. Hope your weather meets the schedule you have set for it...good day.

[@UsmanFaraz854]

This is best work and activities to engage yourself in this young age. Thank you guys you are good inspiration for many young ppls like you. Stay blessed

[@keimahane]

I really enjoy the way you answer questions. Straight, to the point, honest and without apology for how you run your farm, but you also give the reason you do things the way you do. Thank you.

[@lukegronning5272]

Great video, well done!!! Thanks much

[@TheCajunHomestead]

Great information, nice video, my Dad had Chicken Tractors back in 1970s, they were very heavy, frame was 3/8” rebar. But they worked. I just cut the last one up to repurpose the rebar.

[@denisemoskala255]

Very informative. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@bairdfullerton4266]

Fender washers and short screws would do great attaching the hardware cloth. Great setup!

[@ceepark114]

We have made several chicken tractors and always use fender washers and metal roofing screws, works great to hold the hardware wire, etc.

[@garyberg]

Pete, Wednesday I listened to the fieldwork podcast that had Gabe Ward as a guest and the topic was regenerative farming. The more I listened, the more I thought about your farm and how you use so many of the things they were talking about. It's good to see it in practice so much on your farm.

[@cindyfournier7003]

Thank You for the video , enjoyed it very much .

[@RealzFoSho]

I love that the tractor looked like nothing but rust and rubber. But it fired right up. There is something to be said for the way things used to be built, and the importance of taking good care of your tools.

[@champagnjethersiahdduvenag6078]

I love your farm and family. You are a cheerful farmer. Makes me long for my father.

[@craigbernard4998]

Great video as always Pete , thank you!

[@johnfrank6230]

Hello, new subscriber here. Watched your operation for over a year. As a young man, I left the farm as soon as I could but still can't get it out of my mind. The farm had a thousand stories - some hilarious, some poignant, some tragic. A true life experience.

[@michaellalanae7228]

Heros don't always wear a cape .luv u guys you inspire others .

[@andrewpaige6571]

Thank you Pet for explaining the housekeeping of your 🐥 chicks. I become more educated when you explaining the public about the daycare of you chickens 🐔

[@theapartmentcomplexhillbil5357]

Just wanted to leave a note on how much we enjoy your channel. As a collector of antique hit miss engines, I like all things farm and old farm machinery. I live in Florida, but if I’m ever in the area I will certainly hit your market. **Your cows look super! Keep up the good work!

[@angelasheppard7197]

Thanks for all your knowledge and sharing

[@harwinbrewing5072]

Love your work, Pete! Must say you and looking fit and happy! Keep up the great work.

[@Kelleena1on1]

I love how u build stuff , amazing

[@LohreFarm]

Hey Pete, keep up the hard work. Love the videos!❤

[@lmd2454]

The design of the trailer that you moved the chicks with is absolute genius!!!!

[@KDHUNTER2012]

Thank you Pete. I built 2 tractors and received 100 Cornish cross 3 weeks ago. The brooder was a 10x10 tent in my garage. At 2 weeks we got them into the tractors. Have not lost 1 bird yet. I have been over feeding though and will try the 12 hour on/off you mentioned. Great video. Subscribed. Thanks again.