Core Insights - The recent sale of Anhui Mahuang chicken at a low price of 83 yuan for three has sparked industry association concerns and increased public attention on price disparities in the chicken market [1] - A significant price difference exists between different types of chickens, with prices ranging from 17 yuan per pound to 168 yuan per chicken [3] Price Disparities - In local markets, the price of a yellow butter hen is 19 yuan per pound, while a three-yellow chicken is priced at 17 yuan per pound, indicating a substantial price difference for consumers [4] - In a large supermarket, a free-range Anhui butter hen weighing about 1 kg is priced at 29.9 yuan, while another slow-raised yellow feather chicken of the same weight costs 59.9 yuan, and an organic free-range hen is priced at 168 yuan [4] Factors Influencing Price - The price differences are attributed to breed and rearing period, with fast-growing chickens like "three-yellow" and "young roosters" being cheaper due to lower costs and shorter growth cycles [5] - Yellow butter hens, which are typically free-range and raised for longer periods (over 300 days), have higher costs due to time, feed, and mortality rates, leading to higher prices [5] - The "no antibiotics" concept also contributes to higher prices, as it requires better management and biosecurity measures during rearing [6] Consumer Guidance - Consumers are advised to choose based on their cooking needs; for making rich chicken soup, longer-raised products like "old hens" or "free-range local chickens" are recommended, while for everyday cooking, "three-yellow" or "young roosters" offer better value [6]