Chicken Farming

Chicken farming is a good way to live off the land while pursuing self-reliant living.  You might not get rich raising chickens for their meat and eggs, but egg money has been a way to pay for the extras for years, or at least until the last few decades, when the factory production of our food separated us from the whole process of normal, healthy food.

Even if you don't make a huge income from raising chickens, you will benefit your customers by providing them with healthy eggs and meat they won't be able to find elsewhere.

And keep in mind that any business can take years to become successful. So, if raising chickens is your passion, keep at it, learn how to live simply and on the cheap, and you're likely to find success.

Besides, who wouldn't want to raise chickens? Eggs from free-range chickens and chickens kept in chicken tractors are some of the best and healthiest out there.  And while you will likely have to go through quite a bit of red tape to be a certified organic chicken farmer, people who know you will likely still be happy to purchase healthy chickens for meat rather than from the grocery store.

There's also another reason why pursuing chicken farming now, at least on a part-time basis, is wise:  Should the economy collapse, food will be one of the most valuable and sought-after commodities, and will likely go a long way to help you survive.

Ready to start chicken farming but wondering how to go about pursuing an income?  Here are some tips.

Check the Local Laws

There is nothing worse than starting a business, getting it going, and then being shut down because you didn't go through the required legal hoops.

Keep in mind that if you want to set up a business selling chicken meat, you could face quite a bit of red tape to get permission, including inspections.  But you can sell a live chicken to anyone.  Then, if they want to butcher that chicken on your property with your help, that will be fine.

Market Research is the Key
To Chicken Farming

Of course, in order to have a successful chicken business, you will need to get the word out. Tell all your friends and relatives. They'll likely be happy to pay a little extra for good quality meat. But if you want to expand further, you will need to consider how to market your business.

Think about the people you plan to sell eggs and chickens to.  These people are likely to be health conscious or parents who want good, healthy food for their children. 

Put yourself in their place, and think about what they want.  How can you serve them better than your competitors?  If your market is primarily going to be people you know, then inviting people to see your farm and how well you care for your flock might be a great selling point.

Also, make sure you take all your costs into consideration before you set a price.  Don't forget the cost of feed and your time.  Raising chicken for profit is only worth the time and effort if you are reasonably compensated for your efforts.

And finally, consider how big a business you want.  Before you say, "As big as possible!" think about the amount of work you can handle.  

I once kept 30 hens in five different chicken tractors.  Moving the tractors every day, along with giving them food and water twice a day,  proved too much for me, along with taking care of small children, homeschooling, and working on this website.

Sometimes working small and then gradually working your way up is the best way to go.

Have a Marketing Plan

Sometimes simpler is the better especially when it comes to marketing chicken eggs and meat.  Email marketing is a great way to keep in touch with your customers.  It's cheap (your time only) and is a great form of communication if you use it on a regular basis. 

The couple we buy raw milk from is an effective team for production and marketing.  He milks the cows and delivers the milk, while she sends out the friendly, often funny emails letting everyone know of any price changes, delays in deliveries, etc. 

Writing emails in an engaging and informative way is a great way maintain a warm, profitable relationship with your customers and will go a long way in building your self-reliant income.

Learn More About Raising Chickens

Return from Chicken Farming to the Home Page

About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.