Bigger chickens means more expensive wings

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Mar 28, 2013

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Bigger chickens means more expensive wings

The wholesale price of these poultry pieces soared 76 percent on average last year. That rapid growth is due in part to the actual growth of chickens, they're becoming much bigger. But larger chickens aren't necessarily a good thing for restaurants that serve chicken wings.

A staffer holds wings for contestants during Wing Bowl 17 at the Wachovia Center January 30, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thousands attended the event to witness John "Super Squib" Squib eat 203 Buffalo Wings to win Wing Bowl 17. Wing Bowl started as an alternative to the Super Bowl by a Philadelphia radio host who was tired of the Eagles never making it to the big Game.

The wholesale price of these poultry pieces soared 76 percent on average last year. That rapid growth is due in part to the actual growth of chickens, they're becoming much bigger. But larger chickens aren't necessarily a good thing for restaurants that serve chicken wings.

The wholesale price of these poultry pieces soared 76 percent on average last year. That rapid growth is due in part to the actual growth of chickens, they're becoming much bigger. But larger chickens aren't necessarily a good thing for restaurants that serve chicken wings.

Here to explain is Star Tribune in Minneapolis reporter Mike Hughlett. He covers the food and agriculture industries.