How to Raise Chickens for Eggs and Meat: A Complete Guide for Homesteaders

Introduction

Raising chickens for both eggs and meat is a rewarding and sustainable way to provide food for your family while embracing a more self-sufficient lifestyle. Whether you’re a beginner homesteader or looking to expand your flock, this guide will walk you through every step—from choosing the right breeds to processing meat birds.

Choosing the Right Chicken Breeds

The first step in raising chickens for dual purposes is selecting the right breeds. Some chickens excel in egg production, while others are raised for their meat. However, dual-purpose breeds offer the best of both worlds.

Best Dual-Purpose Breeds:

Rhode Island Reds – Hardy birds that lay 200–300 brown eggs annually while providing a good meat yield.

Plymouth Rocks – Friendly and adaptable, producing around 200 eggs per year and good meat quality.

Sussex – Excellent egg layers (250+ per year) with plump bodies for meat.

Orpingtons – Docile and easy to raise, laying up to 200 eggs per year and making great meat birds.

Australorps – Known for exceptional egg-laying (250+ per year) while also being good for meat.

If your goal is primarily meat production, you may want to include Cornish Cross or Freedom Rangers, as they grow faster and provide tender, high-quality meat.

Setting Up a Chicken Coop and Run

click here for a free download of chicken coop blueprints

Your chickens need a safe, comfortable, and predator-proof home. The size of your coop depends on the number of birds you plan to raise.

Chicken Coop Essentials:

Space Requirements: Provide at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the run.

Nesting Boxes: One nesting box per 3–4 hens for egg-laying comfort.

Roosting Bars: Chickens naturally roost at night, so install 2–3 feet of roosting space per bird.

Ventilation: Proper airflow reduces moisture buildup and prevents respiratory diseases.

Security: Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire to protect against predators.

Free-Range vs. Confined Chickens

Free-range: Birds roam freely, leading to healthier chickens and better-tasting eggs and meat. However, they are more vulnerable to predators.

Confined (Coop & Run): Provides safety while still giving space to move. A deep-litter method can help manage waste efficiently.

Feeding Chickens for Optimal Health

Chickens require a balanced diet to support both egg production and meat growth.

Essential Chicken Feeds:

Layer Feed (16-18% protein): Designed for hens laying eggs.

Grower Feed (18-20% protein): Used for young pullets before they start laying.

Broiler Feed (20-22% protein): High-protein feed to support rapid growth in meat birds.

Grit: Helps chickens digest food properly.

Calcium (Oyster Shells): Strengthens eggshells for laying hens.

Supplemental Feed Options:

Kitchen scraps (vegetable peels, rice, bread)

Mealworms and insects for extra protein

Garden weeds and herbs (like oregano for natural antibiotic properties)

Maintaining a Healthy Flock

Healthy chickens mean high egg production and quality meat. Watch for common chicken diseases, such as:

Marek’s Disease: A viral infection affecting nerves and organs.

Coccidiosis: A parasitic disease causing diarrhea and lethargy.

Respiratory Infections: Caused by poor ventilation or dust buildup.

Tips for Chicken Health:

Keep bedding clean and dry.

Regularly check for mites and lice.

Provide fresh water daily.

Quarantine new birds before adding them to your flock.

Raising Chickens for Eggs

Hens typically start laying at 5–6 months old and can lay 200–300 eggs per year, depending on breed and care.

Egg Production Factors:

Daylight: Hens need 14–16 hours of light to lay consistently.

Diet: Protein and calcium-rich feed enhance egg quality.

Stress-Free Environment: Predators, overcrowding, and poor diet reduce laying rates.

To collect and store eggs properly:

Gather eggs twice daily to prevent cracking.

Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate.

Test freshness using the water float test—fresh eggs sink, old eggs float.

Raising Chickens for Meat

For meat production, it’s important to raise birds efficiently while ensuring humane treatment.

Processing Meat Birds:

Cornish Cross: Ready for butchering at 6–8 weeks old.

Dual-Purpose Breeds: Typically processed at 16–20 weeks.

Humane Butchering Steps:

1. Fasting: Withhold food for 12–24 hours before processing.

2. Dispatching: A sharp kill cone or cervical dislocation provides the quickest, most humane method.

3. Scalding & Plucking: Submerge in hot water (145–150°F) to loosen feathers, then pluck manually or with a plucker.

4. Evisceration: Remove internal organs, being careful with the gallbladder to avoid meat contamination.

5. Chilling & Packaging: Soak in ice water to cool, then store in vacuum-sealed bags or freezer paper.

Sustainability & Waste Reduction

Raising chickens is a great way to support a zero-waste homestead. Here’s how to use every part of the bird:

Eggshells: Crushed for calcium-rich chicken feed or compost.

Feathers: Added to compost or used for crafts.

Bones & Organs: Make bone broth for extra nutrition.

Manure: A fantastic fertilizer for your garden.

Conclusion

Raising chickens for eggs and meat is a fulfilling journey that enhances food security, promotes sustainability, and provides nutritious homegrown food. With the right setup, feeding plan, and care, your flock will thrive—giving you a steady supply of eggs and meat for years to come.

Are you ready to start your backyard flock? Let us know your favorite chicken breeds in the comments below!