Fresh meat is hard to find. I mean really fresh. Not the plastic-wrapped stuff that’s been sitting in a nitrogen-flushed tray for three days, but the kind of poultry that was literally walking around an hour ago. That’s the specific niche Jamaica Live Poultry Corp has carved out in Queens Village. If you’ve ever driven down Jamaica Avenue and seen a line of people waiting outside a nondescript brick building near 207th Street, you’ve seen it.
They aren't a massive corporate conglomerate. They're a neighborhood fixture.
Honestly, the first time you walk into a live poultry market, it’s a bit of a shock to the system. There’s the smell of hay, the sound of hundreds of birds, and a level of transparency you just don't get at a supermarket. You pick your bird. They process it. You go home with meat that hasn't seen a preservative in its life.
The Reality of Jamaica Live Poultry Corp in 2026
There is a lot of confusion online about this place. Some people confuse it with the massive Jamaica Broilers Group—the "Best Dressed Chicken" folks down in the islands—but they are entirely different animals. Jamaica Live Poultry Corp is a local New York operation. Specifically, it's located at 207-12 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428.
They’ve been around a long time. People call it "Mohamed Live Poultry" sometimes because of the ownership history, but the sign on the door and the legal filings point to Jamaica Live Poultry.
It's a "custom slaughterhouse." That sounds intense, but it basically means they cater to people who want to know exactly where their food comes from. This includes a huge swath of the local community looking for Halal options or just traditional West Indian and West African cooking ingredients that require specific cuts you can't find at a Whole Foods.
What they actually sell
- Chickens: The bread and butter. You've got your standard broilers, but also "hard chickens" (older hens) which are essential for soups that don't just turn to mush.
- Goats and Lamb: It isn't just birds. They often have livestock available for custom processing, which is a massive deal during holidays like Eid or for large family gatherings.
- Ducks: Occasionally available, though usually more of a seasonal or specialty request.
Why People Choose Live Markets Over Grocery Stores
You’ve probably wondered why someone would bother with the wait. It’s not always fast. In fact, if you go on a Saturday morning, bring a book. But the quality is the differentiator.
When meat is processed on-site, the texture is different. It’s firmer. The flavor is deeper. In 2025 and moving into 2026, we’ve seen a massive shift in consumer behavior where people are terrified of "ultra-processed" foods. Even "fresh" chicken in a grocery store is often injected with saline or preservatives to keep it looking pink. At Jamaica Live Poultry Corp, what you see is what you get.
There's also the cultural aspect. For many immigrant families in Queens, this is how you buy meat. You inspect the health of the animal yourself. You ensure the slaughter follows specific religious or traditional guidelines. It’s a connection to the food chain that modern logistics has tried to erase.
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Managing the Chaos: Tips for Visiting
If you’re planning to head down there, don't expect a spa-like experience. This is a working agricultural business in the middle of a city.
- Go early. The best birds are often claimed by 10:00 AM.
- Be specific. Tell them exactly how you want it cut. If you want the feet left on for stock, say so. If you want it "curry cut" (small bone-in pieces), they’ll do it, but you have to be vocal.
- Check your order. One of the biggest complaints in recent reviews from late 2025 involves miscommunications on piece counts. Before you leave the counter, double-check that your bag has everything you paid for.
- Bring cash. While many of these spots have modernized, technology can be finicky in a high-moisture environment, and cash is still king in Queens' small business world.
The Challenges Facing Local Poultry Markets
It hasn't been an easy ride lately. Small businesses like Jamaica Live Poultry Corp are caught between rising feed costs and strict New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets regulations.
Supply chain issues hit them differently than the big guys. When there’s a shortage, a massive chain can just raise prices by 10 cents. A local market might struggle to get the birds at all. Plus, there’s the "gentrification" of food—as more people move into Queens Village, the tolerance for the smells and sounds of a live market sometimes wanes.
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Yet, they survive. They survive because a significant portion of the population refuses to eat "dead" meat from a warehouse.
Factual Nuance: Is it Halal?
While the market is widely known for providing Halal meat, it is always best to verify the current certification on the wall. The staff is generally very open about their process. Most patrons visit specifically because the slaughter is done in accordance with Islamic law, making it a cornerstone for the local Muslim community.
Actionable Insights for the Conscious Consumer
If you're tired of the mystery meat at the supermarket, making the jump to a place like Jamaica Live Poultry Corp is a logical step. It requires more effort, but the payoff is in the nutrition and the taste.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Identify your needs: Are you making a Sunday dinner or stocking a freezer? If stocking a freezer, ask for the meat to be bagged in portions.
- Verify hours: Call (718) 217-2290 before you drive over. They generally open at 8:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM, but holidays can throw a wrench in that.
- Prepare your kitchen: Freshly slaughtered meat needs to be handled correctly. It hasn't been chilled for days in a truck, so you'll want to get it into your fridge or onto the stove immediately to maintain that peak freshness.
Supporting these local spots keeps the food supply diverse. It ensures that we aren't all just dependent on three or four massive corporations for our protein. Whether you're there for the tradition or just the taste of a better bird, places like this are the backbone of the Queens food scene.