We began raising pastured poultry in 2007. We were delighted by the positive response. Other people wanted their chicken to actually taste like chicken as well!! We have experimented with several management styles when it comes to raising the birds and have come to the conclusion that they are the happiest and healthiest in an environment where they can most easily display their "chicken-ness".
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How we raise them....
The first two weeks of life are spent in a brooder (baby chick nursery) that is warmed by a heat lamp. At two weeks old, after their feathers come in, we move the birds out to pasture. The chickens have constant access to fresh air and sunlight, eliminating the need for chemicals that are used on factory farms. Our chickens eat grass, bugs, locally grown grains and organic kelp. The shelters we provide protect them from harsh wind, hard rain and the scorching sun. Our guard dogs and electric fences keep them safe from predators. In the absence of these stresses the birds grow beautifully without the use of hormones. The chickens are not confined to the shelters, but are free to roam within their fenced paddock. Our chickens live their entire lives healthy and happy.
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| Chicks out on early spring pasture |
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| Delaware roosters foraging on lush spring grass and legumes |
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| The result.....
The day old chicks grow to an average dressed weight of 4 pounds. Each bird is processed humanely and in a way that ensures proper sanitation. The meat has a more rich flavor than conventionally raised chickens due to their diverse diet of grass and bugs. Because the birds are exercising their muscles on pasture, the meat has a more firm consistency as well as a more dense texture to it than those raised in confinement. We sell both whole and by the cut chicken. Want to make chicken stock for great soups or to battle a cold? Check out Broth is Beautiful by Sally Fallon. Also, visit our Purchasing in Bulk page for information on saving money while stocking up on our products!
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