Ranchi, Dec. 31: On New Year if you want to gorge on meat, be ready to shell out some extra bucks.

Meat sellers in the state capital are cashing in on the New Year spirit with the rates of mutton and chicken going through the roof.

From mutton and chicken to rare birds like bater (partridges) and teetar (wild fowl), all are selling for sky-high prices. While mutton that usually hovers around Rs 160 to Rs 180 per kg has shot up to Rs 210 to Rs 230 a kg, prices of chicken have also risen from Rs 70 to Rs 90 per kg.

Shakeel, a butcher in Lalpur, said he had ordered for goats from villages in Palamau well in advance anticipating the demand, but did not get his full supply due to the Assembly polls and dearth of public vehicles.

The rates have also shot up because of a shortage of quality mutton in the market.

“Those who have quality stuff are quoting rates more than the rest,” he said.

Bater and teetar, which appear on the schedule of birds protected under Wildlife Protection Act, are also being sold in the market to meet the demand. Baters in pairs are available for Rs 140 while a teetar is for Rs 140.

The birds are not sold openly and the sellers are discreet about it.

Kayyum Mian, a bird seller in Kantatoli, said: “I have sold birds to many customers in the last couple of days. Baters are brought from Bhagalpur. The birds are also available in the jungles of Daltonganj.”

There is also a high demand for pigeons and ducks during this time. While a pair of pigeons is available for Rs 140, ducks are being sold for Rs 160 each.

The mercury has dipped considerably which has also resulted in huge demand for these birds, said Usman, another bird seller at Kantatoli. “The flesh of these birds is said to produce high energy and generate heat,” her said.

Jinia, a homemaker on a holiday trip to Ranchi, said non-vegetarian food was a must have on New Year’s eve. “The party is not complete without spicy mutton curry and other meaty snacks,” she said.