Hi
We buy in 20 Ross Cobb day old chicks about three times a year from a local commercial grower. they cost me £1.20 per chick and I have vaguely guesstimated that in total they cost me around £5 per bird to raise to table weight, which is about 12-14 weeks.
They are no bother at all, we keep them warm in a pen in the barn for 4-5 weeks and then set them free in the orchard, lock them up at night and then we kill and pluck them on one weekend and then let them hang for the week and then gut and dress them the following weekend.
We used to buy butchers free range chicken for £13 a go, so for a little effort there is a big saving to make, and I know they have had a nice life and a quick death.
Its great to provide you own meat as well as veg. its addictive.