Raising Chickens for Meat: Week 8 of 8, Processing

Broiler Chicken Links:
8 Weeks of Broiler Videos: bit.ly/2dlZl6N
Broiler Resources: bit.ly/2emR2ts
Chicken Tractor Plans: bit.ly/2exr4Hs
1 Million Chickens: bit.ly/2exrCNy
Poultry Packet: bit.ly/2ebZoED
Broiler Video Course: bit.ly/2efVjCW
KZbin: bit.ly/2e0wN9f
Instagram: bit.ly/2dVs3xR
Facebook: bit.ly/2el9hOH
This series has been a lot of fun to create. The daily video has not only shown you what it is like raising chickens for meat on my farm, but it has also forced me to take an even closer look at some of my management decisions.
I will be publishing two follow up videos on the numbers for the whole batch as well as some business and marketing advice after several years of running a poultry farm.
It has been a fun ride with you guys and gals. Check out the links above to see all the resources that Scott and I are putting together for broiler chickens. It is our goal to see more birds raised on pasture in the future and we cannot do that with you.

[@hb.hoffman7983]

It's week 8 with 35 ready and very little losses for us! Thank you!!

[@alexisfishinhuntinandfarmi2923]

chickens are sooooo funny. i was cleaning my coop today, and my laying hens literally tried to jump on my shovel, and attack my rake. :-I

[@andrewgardon3678]

CT native here. But living in the opposite north corner. Have always done egg layers, after watching this and sharing it with my family, we are considering building one chicken tractor and trying it out. Would love to come see your farm sometime, right now I work on a farm in Mansfield. Anyways, I really appreciate you taking the time to make this series, and the passion you put into it. Thank you so much!

[@murchlk]

I know I am late to the party but I just binge watched these 8 videos. By far the best pastured poultry series on KZbin. I'm going too be purchasing your packet for sure, nice work John you do an excellent job.

[@farmmarketing]

That's way cool to hear Luke. I am glad you liked the series. I have been working to collect all my resources, put out a ton of free content, and grow the community of people wanting to farm. Glad to hear some of it is working, haha.

[@BlackAdderLXX]

8:25 "Sunshine grows this and then birds eat it and they convert it into deliciousness." - Love this.

[@farmmarketing]

If that isn't "farm science" I don't know what is.

[@brianphilbrook5262]

This has been a great series. Thanks for putting all this together

[@farmmarketing]

You're welcome Brian. And thank you for following along and always commenting.

[@jamesbrecheisen4963]

Excellent series. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Looking forward to getting my book in the mail.

[@terrim.602]

I recently came across your videos, pure awesomeness!!! I thought I ordered 15 birds, but ended up with 26 broilers because the other people decided against it... Lots of scrambling to make space, get feeders, etc.! Lol!! I have been binge watching your vids, and they are fantastic! I have several doctors who want to buy my home grown birds, but I can't sell them cut up due to regs in my state. I can, however, sell them live, 😊. Thank you for all your help and passion!

[@dough3438]

John, I want to thank you for this series. I really appreciate all the time you've put into educating your followers. I ordered your book yesterday (from Amazon) and I'm excited for it to arrive. You're an inspiration to not only me but my family as well. God Bless you AND your family and business!!! Thanks Again!!

[@kathythorstad8049]

This was very helpful. We are planning to raise meat chickens on our homestead and your information was great.

[@bryanglover4920]

John, great series. I have purchased your book on Amazon and will implement your system next year on our farm. We have already implemented your pastured egg system this year and it is working great! Looking forward to the pastured pig series.

[@robburke8867]

Another fantastic video! You’re now my go to guy for info. Thanks!

[@PaulMorini]

Hi John, This was an awesome series... Thank you so much for sharing all of this info.

[@farmmarketing]

You're welcome Paul

[@calamaridog]

Just ordered your book John. Keep up the good content.

[@DartWooden]

Thanks for putting this series together

[@duanepark5318]

Wow, John, you are amazing! What a wealth of information I've received from watching your week-by-week series. I feel like I've had an internship or a course at the local college, no kidding. I bought your book and it is very well done. Many thanks for all the time and effort you've put into these videos to share with us!

[@farmmarketing]

Wow, thanks Duane. I certainly have fun putting it together.

[@ronkrok1022]

Love the videos. I'm moving to New Milford soon and will one day start a small flock for my home birds. Would love to drive to kent one day and pick your brain and see your layout and everything.

[@elhadjiamadoujohnson4166]

Yup, those areal pictures are powerful. selling points

[@robertaplatter6050]

Feathers are great to compost for your gardens. Farmers do use manure and feathers for natural fretilzer.

[@xantheunwin7757]

feathers can be made into feather meal which is used as a fertiliser for your garden :)

[@MrMaurici0acosta]

WELL DONE. Amazing editing ! the video keeps you hook,!

[@farmmarketing]

Thanks Hector. Trying to marry educational and interesting. Love doing what I'm doing.

[@BlackAdderLXX]

This has been so great. Thanks so much for doing these videos.

[@farmmarketing]

You're certainly welcome

[@pauljohnroque3690]

Hey! thank you, it really inspired me on raising chickens.

[@patsydeokienath5458]

Great work the best i have seen so far

[@donaldcowick4280]

Love the practical approach to your series. Could I inquire about the grass mix in your chicken tractor fields.

[@juleejames9977]

Thank you, John. This has been a great series. I feel equipped to begin planning for MY chickens for next year.

[@farmmarketing]

YES Julee!!! Chickens are great. There's so much to learn and experience and enjoy. You're going to love it. Keep in touch with any questions, I'll help where I can. I'll be keeping this resources page up to date. farmmarketingsolutions.com/resources/broilers

[@juleejames9977]

Thanks!

[@JohnMartinez-sm1sk]

Great videos, great information watched four already

[@themall1314]

thanks for doing this series. it's been really helpful

[@farmmarketing]

Glad it helped you Alex

[@Veemack21]

thanks for the massive amount of info! an i will be getting your guide. thank you

[@farmmarketing]

Thanks Avery

[@terri6342]

Fantastic news John. Thanks.

[@farmmarketing]

No problem Terri

[@PANTTERA1959]

Cook some so we can see the deliciousness.TY for the time and effort involved in sharing the process of becoming an Independent American Farmer.

[@farmmarketing]

mmmm the deliciousness is so good! I've got a simple recipe that I'll share in video 10.

[@hvacman2009]

watching your videos, are like my eyes are opening.....i appreciate you

[@farmmarketing]

Thanks man

[@andybush368]

Thanks for making and uploading this series. Very easy to listen to from a Englishman as you don’t speak proper English 🤣 but a great series well done , enjoyed it a whole lot

[@edriantv548]

I love ur videos it has many infos. Thanks!

[@Mate2Frio]

Really looking forward to the 9th video.

[@matwood1122]

Thanks bro! Great content!

[@laurenschexnider2799]

I wish I were closer to buy your product. The passion, joy and care must find its way into those broilers, and they must be delicious. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm.

[@farmmarketing]

The cool thing is that "I" am everywhere. There might be someone in your area that produces chicken like I do.

[@TheSalimmuhammad]

wow i think this is the best chicken video ive watched so far....great work.

[@farmmarketing]

Thanks Muhammad!

[@journeyfortwo5211]

Great series, thank you

[@farmmarketing]

Glad you enjoyed it. I should make an updated version.

[@richardlove4287]

Wish I was in the US, just so I could visit mate. Outstanding job, well done.

[@donhenry1472]

I love U . I love the way u describe and Expressed the whole package am thankful that I've learnt alot from the whole videos

[@bobmcfly5872]

In your Broiler Video Course...are you going to be discussing seasonal raising of Broilers? I'm near Chicago Illinois...so obviously can't do it all year...but would be more interested in the video course if it goes into detail on that aspect as well.

[@BuhlzI]

Great videos. Thank you. What kind of temps can chickens withstand inside of the chicken sleds?

[@alexandersoult9385]

John, do you ever have death from crates to processing? It seems like those 12ish hours in the crates could be stressful on the birds. Thank you for the videos! You are inspiring me to find a small parcel of land to give it a run!

[@haddijahhaji7938]

Thanks Jon I have been watching since day 1 I really enjoyed it but I have a question do you use light during the night after taking the birds from the backyard?

[@jamesschneider3108]

Thank you John! I have enjoyed your videos immensely. I also was taken in by the "shameless plug" and bought your book!

[@farmmarketing]

Hey thanks James! One step closer to 1 Million Chickens!!! Enjoy the book and let me know if you have any questions.

[@debbiestohlman139]

My husband and I thoroughly enjoy your videos - especially this series. We have a flock of layers and now considering raising a flock of Cornish Cross. However, we live in the mountains and while we have acreage there is little to no pasture. Any suggestions on how to raise them under these conditions?

[@troybrown6012]

grind up feathers for compost

[@michaelcalkins8079]

They look super healthy and happy. Nice job.

[@farmmarketing]

Thank you Michael

[@zainokla6165]

The thumbnail got me laughing and hungry at the same time 🤣

[@reneehenson1261]

Love your videos buying your book and hut book thanks for all you do ❤️

[@leevidal1439]

Less food smaller birds more food bigger birds your choice.

[@g8trsaur]

Plug away, amigo! You're awesome for doing this, your info is spot on, easy to understand and concise! So helping out on the monetary side is not an issue, :D!!

[@farmmarketing]

Thanks buddy

[@annadiggs2459]

Love the videos, thanks.

[@stevebash001]

Hi John, great videos. Thanks for lots of good information. Do you have any issues with predators? What do you do about them?

[@charlesmitchell1571]

John do you ever garden the area that the birds have been on? Have you ever used a airaiter on the soil after the season ?

[@tatedominguez]

Thanks for sharing all this info.

[@farmmarketing]

My pleasure Tate

[@georgedodd3970]

Thanks, very useful data.

[@nourouf9431]

You should really have more subscribers! Your content is really fun and infôrmative !

[@farmmarketing]

Thanks buddy

[@Mate2Frio]

I agree. Some good brass and tack stuff here.

[@zain581]

Yes

[@MetaView7]

love those ground level close up chicken shots

[@farmmarketing]

I have had a lot of fun running the camera for this series.

[@jackierichardsaprel3046]

Great info, not sure if I missed it, how did go about making your chicken waterer ?

[@countrycoopers]

I binged your 8 videos today. Great presentations! I've noticed a lot of your birds- especially towards end, were sitting on ground more than walking. I also noted there are not any perches in your tractors. In my limited poultry raising I found birds that perched had stronger legs and tighter wings as they are constantly balancing. Your birds looks very healthy and you are a great carer of their needs. I have seen some fast raised meat birds get too big for their legs too quickly- I perfectly get these guys are a commodity. I'd love to know your thoughts about perches and can meat birds be grown too quickly?

[@nazargulahmadi9172]

Thank you!

[@peteruff5819]

looking forward to seeing the raw numbers:)

[@gwilley6050]

A few tips from 25 years of growing and selling chickens, If your a homesteader the best way to save freezer space and time if you are processing your own, is to cut them in half and stack them in the freezer. If you are selling your birds and home processing, be sure to check with your state laws. Some states will not let you sell anything but a whole bird. And some have a limit as to how many you can sell from the from. Example: in my home state of Vermont, I can only sell 999 birds off the farm before i need to pay an inspected processor or build a massive facility and hire my own state inspector. Each state has there own set of laws regarding poultry.

[@ChicagoCFH]

can't wait to see video 9!

[@farmmarketing]

I'm crunching them numbers.

[@bobmcfly5872]

Yeah really curious to see the numbers....I'm wanting to do two chicken tractors next year to try and help you reach that 1 million goal...but numbers don't lie so want to see those 1st. :)

[@theconfidentnovice5789]

I totally just binge watched this whole series

[@NordeggSonya]

feathers for fly fishers or fly tyers. It is very important to make sure that feathers match ie left side and right side. White feathers are easy to dye or colour. Different parts of the bird give different feathers with different properties for fly tying.

[@BenNewman1776]

I am just getting to the end of your series and I am wondering if you thought about doing another run with a variety of heritage breeds in their own tractor and you can do an analysis of the yield difference.

[@deliciaspence]

thank you john, I just could not wait to see the end product. Also

[@deliciaspence]

Thank you for answering my question. Continue doing a great job. It might look as if not financially rewarding as your doing it for "free" we truly appreciate your honesty, kindness, love for your audience. What your doing is priceless when you touch someone heart that person on able to put in place what you taught us, on implement it on able to feed there family that is rewarding. love from Jamaica

[@farmmarketing]

Thank you so much Delicia. Doing my best over here to keep it fun.

[@davewygonowski984]

Awesome!!!

[@ingachambers1905]

Hi John love your videos 🐣how long do you feed the broilers with chick starter, than to grower crumble ?

[@powershot334]

Thanks for all the info learned alot

[@farmmarketing]

You're very welcome

[@ljpercle2500]

Great video! Do you keep the livers and gizzard.

[@silentwayne5864]

I've really enjoyed the series, and look forward to more. Plan on buying the book and building a tractor. How does all this go from "pasture" to "backyard" where space and growth is limited?

[@farmmarketing]

Growth isn't necessarily limited. If you don't mow as often in the areas you're going to have birds running then they will have forage on the average lawn. Just make sure you don't use any chemicals to treat your lawn. One of the chicken tractors takes up 60 square feet. It moves about 35 times on your grass. Preferably not covering the same ground twice. That's 2100 square feet.

[@owolabiakorede7782]

Weldone Do u use any material for the base of the housing . Thanks in anticipation

[@stephenleach4485]

Well done series. Have you had any issues with wind flipping these tractors? We had a similar design, but more of a hoop and had some strong winds flip them and crash them into trees. I like the taller design but need something more wind resistant. What's you experience.

[@kanddfamilyfarm]

Hey John, as always I'm late to the party but I've really enjoyed your video series. I have a question about the package and/or the book you've written. Your structures aren't suitable for our property, we get 100 km/hr winds and that high profile would take a hammering. Salatin style can almost work but even so I have to be on to the weather and take precautions on anything forecast for 50 - 60 km/hr plus for now. Anywho, my question is - Is there plenty of worthwhile info minus the tractor plans? I'm guessing there is but hey, I thought I'd touch base and let you know how much I got out of the series. We've got 50 birds in the brooder on Day 4 currently and I'll keep coming back throughout our grow out for your hints and tips.

[@alanviner3711]

Do you find that if you leave your own yard tractor birds for a longer time I notice they are quite large which is good but does it effect them as they look a little crowded or do you let more air flow through by rolling up the tarps a bit.. I love the idea of letting your private stock so to speak get larger as we also like a 6 to 8 pound bird to roast for friends and family?.

[@stephendekastle1728]

Hey John, Is there a reason you don't use any spent grains for your chickens to supplement cost? Or does all of this go to your cows and pigs? Awesome informative series. Planning on growing two batches of 300 broilers this year, and this helps a lot. Thank you!

[@FriendlyCleaningKC]

Man I did not think of the needed freezer space... thanks for the heads up

[@JohnMartinez-sm1sk]

What kind if grass do the eat ? Can you use a variety of grasses all mixed together?

[@lisafeck1537]

Plug your products! Selling what you have to offer is the right thing to do for you, your family, your farming goals. Plugging is good for viewers like me, new to your channel, I'm not familiar with what you have to offer, never raised chickens before. I want to learn before I start. Your content and resources are valuable. Sell with pride, you have earned it, well done. Thank you. One question. I have only watched a few of your videos. I heard you say you are located in the North East. Maybe you don't want to say exactly, I would understand the reasons for that. North of Virginia?

[@kevinholbrook7174]

Hey John I know that I may be late but I noticed that you have your own meat in your freezer. I just wondering how big of a freezer to handle up to 60lb. Of whole chicken for me to be able to handle and distribute them to my customers? Keep up the great work that you do and have a blessed day!

[@manningfarms-rottweilers3101]

Feathers are great for compost

[@godblessher1]

So what happens after? Do you start all over again immediately? Or do you wait for summer?

[@travisdtyson]

Do you own the white plastic crates you use for transporting them to the processor or do they provide them?

[@journeyfortwo5211]

Those before and after photos are amazing. Can someone savvy put those side by side on Google Images?

[@audreymorris5201]

You mention CSA is a few of your videos. What is that? Can you provide more information on how to start with a CSA?

[@Tubby331816]

What is your average weight after processing per bird and have you ever tried just cockerels for extra weight per bird

[@lechatbotte.]

I processed 10 birds, just me. They went 8 wks. But we’re smallish though I fed them well. I had zero mortality.

[@briankarlsen6676]

hi John what labels do you use or how do you lable them when i get mine back from the procesor they are partialy frozen and the condensation/frst on the bag prevents the labels I have from sticking

[@marcspyker7473]

the feathers can be used for fly fishing.

[@sabrinabuoniconti5008]

It seemed that I saw the birds free on the grass. Did I? How does that work? So how many cycles do you do in the season?

[@flyifri]

I have a few broilers that are at 15 weeks. They were given to me because the owners children turned them in to pets. They are very big and fully feather. Would you say they are absolutely ready to eat.

[@devingoulding3200]

How much rest would you recommend for the pasture before you go over same area with another round of chickens? I know this depends on soil fertility, pasture productivity, ect., but what would you say is a middle ground number? How long do you give?

[@jimh3500]

Anyone have experience with raising chickens this way and results of big storm , lots of rain?

[@reigstadoutdoors7966]

I have really enjoyed this series! Have you done a series like this of raising egg chickens? And what are those little nipples on the bucket for water called

[@fl3082]

Asking for "Chicken nipples" will get you what you want at most farm supply stores. Or Google. Or Amazon.

[@albanyramirez5074]

Good afternoon I would like to know what is the food ration during the 8 weeks and how many chickens do you place per square meter

[@jazfarm5726]

Rooster neck feathers can be sold to fly fishermen.

[@davewygonowski984]

Do you freeze birds that are not sold immediately, or do you pretty much get rid of all the birds immediately after processing?