The Dollar Hen

This practical guide cuts through the flood of academic treatises and hobbyist manuals to focus on what really matters for anyone trying to turn chickens into a profitable venture. Drawing on the author’s years of experience with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a failed but instructive poultry plant, the book lays out the economic realities of raising and marketing birds, warning readers that good intentions alone won’t cover hidden costs.

Targeted at farmers, aspiring poultrymen, and even curious entrepreneurs, the text offers clear explanations of production cycles, feed budgeting, and market channels without indulging in breed showmanship or speculative patents. Readers will find straightforward advice on setting up a financially sound operation, understanding cash flow, and avoiding common pitfalls that have doomed many well‑meaning enterprises. Whether you’re looking to add a modest side‑business to a farm or launch a full‑scale egg and meat operation, this volume equips you with the essential tools to make the “dollar hen” a reality.