How long do you keep broilers chickens for?

My latest batch of broilers I reared at home was processed at 100 days.

Broiler chickens are a type of chicken that are raised specifically for meat production. They are bred to grow quickly and efficiently, and can reach market weight in as little as six weeks.

Broiler chickens are typically kept in large, temperature-controlled buildings called chicken houses, and are fed a specialised diet that is designed to promote rapid growth.

Broiler chickens are specifically bred for their fast growth rate and meat production and typically reach market weight between 6-10 weeks of age.

How Long Should You Keep Broiler Chickens?

Backyard keepers should expect to have to care for their broiler chickens for between 70 and 120 days depending on the breed and rearing conditions. 

Broilers kept by backyard keepers typically mature 1 to 6 weeks later than their commercial counterparts.

Some broilers like the freedom ranger are marketed as being slower growing and realistically take 90 to 120 days to be ready for processing.

Broilers should be kept until they reach market weight, typically between 6-10 weeks of age. It can be longer than this depending on what your desired end result is.

Here's a table of the weight achieved by broiler chickens each week to show how fast they grow:

WeekWeight (in pounds)
10.25
20.75
31.50
42.50
53.50
64.75
76.25
87.75
99.50
1011.25

Note: This is just an example table and the weight achieved by broiler chickens can vary depending on various factors such as breed, diet, and management practices.

Broiler chickens are a popular choice for those looking to raise their own meat birds. These chickens are specifically bred for their fast growth rate and meat production, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a quick turnaround from chick to table.

Factors that affect growth and how long broilers are kept for include:

  • Genetics,
  • Nutrition,
  • Water quality,
  • Temperature,
  • Space.

Providing high-quality feed, clean water, and adequate space and shelter are essential for raising healthy broilers in a timely manner.

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