For example, many people prefer fryer-type chickens of heavier weights to the lighter weight ranges available in many stores. A well-managed home flock can be a good source of fresh poultry meat. However, home flock producers should not plan to raise more birds than their family, friends or neighbors can use either live or dressed. Economically, commercial broiler production in the southeastern United States is tough competition for the home flock owner in Nebraska. There is no commercial production in the state, and consequently no organized live market for broilers.
Commercial producers can ship in dressed birds at a price difficult to match with a home flock.
Housing and Equipment NebGuide G80-530, Brooder Houses and Equipment for the Home Flock , provides more detail on this subject. Ask your county agent for a copy. Housing and equipment requirements for raising poultry can be minimal for late spring through early fall. Winter flocks require much better housing and equipment. A small number of chicks can even be brooded in a corner of the garage in the late spring.