Day Old Meat Birds | Meat Bird Chicks for Home-Raised Poultry | Magill Grain Store
What Are Day Old Meat Birds?
Day old meat birds are newly hatched chicks from breeds selected specifically for meat production faster growth, better feed conversion, and a heavier frame than standard laying breeds. They're the starting point for households and small farms wanting to raise their own poultry for the table.
At Magill Grain Store, our meat bird chicks are supplied fresh and handled with care, giving your batch the healthiest possible start.
Meat Birds vs Laying Breeds | What’s the Difference?
Laying breeds are bred to convert feed into eggs over a long productive life. Meat birds are bred for the opposite rapid growth and muscle development over a short 6–10 week period, ready for processing much sooner than a dual-purpose or layer breed would be.
Raising Day Old Meat Birds
Brooder Setup
Like any day old chick, meat birds need a warm, draft free brooder with clean bedding for the first few weeks before moving to grow out space.
Heat Source
Start around 35°C in week one, gradually reducing as birds feather up meat breeds often need slightly more floor space per bird due to faster weight gain.
Feed for Growth
Meat birds need a higher protein starter and grower feed than layer breeds to support their rapid growth rate ask our team which feed matches your birds' age and stage.
Why Buy Day Old Meat Birds From Magill Grain Store
Locally Supplied, Handled With Care
Our meat bird chicks are sourced and handled to reduce stress before they reach your brooder.
Everything to Get Started, In One Place
Starter and grower feed, feeders, drinkers and heat lamps are all available in-store alongside your chicks.
Local Advice for First Time Meat Bird Keepers
Raising meat birds for the first time? Call (08) 8331 8159we'll talk through brooder setup, feed schedule and processing timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to raise a meat bird to processing weight?+
Most meat bird breeds reach processing weight in around 6–10 weeks, depending on the breed and feeding regime.
What feed do day old meat birds need?+
Meat birds generally need a higher-protein starter feed than layer breeds, moving to a grower feed as they mature. Ask our team for the right feed schedule.
Do meat birds need different housing to layer chicks?+
The early brooder setup is similar, but meat birds often need more floor space as they grow due to faster weight gain and a heavier frame.
Can I keep meat birds and laying hens together?+
They can be raised together as chicks, but because meat birds grow much faster, many keepers separate them once feed and space needs start to differ.
Is day old meat birds always in stock?+
Availability depends on hatching schedules. Call (08) 8331 8159 to check current stock and breeds available.
What breed are the meat birds you sell?+
Breed availability varies by batch ask our team for current options and expected growth timelines.
Do day old meat birds need grit?+
No, grit isn't needed until birds move onto grain or start free-ranging. Starter feed alone is sufficient in the early weeks.