We receive the chicks when they are 24 hours old. They need to be kept warm so we have special brooders. The chicks are moved to pasture at two and half weeks old. After that their shelter is moved every day to a fresh paddock. These fresh grass vitamins allow for a healthier chicken which does not require antibiotics to survive.The birds have room to run while still having the shelters to give them shade from the sun and protection from the rain. The yards are surrounded with mesh to protect the birds from predators. By moving the yard the birds have access to fresh vegetative grass at all times. This gives our flocks a clean, healthy environment to thrive in.
The birds are also fed, free choice, high quality grain. The model has been developed over the last twenty years and allows the birds to receive up to 20% of their feed intake from pasture. This gives them extra vitamins and minerals in a form their body is able to uptake (unlike manufactured vitamins and minerals). A study by Barbara Gorski showed that when compared to confinement chickens, broilers raised on grass had less fat, fewer calories, more vitamin A, more omega-3s.
We are able to legally process the chicken (butcher them). This gives a major benefit to the chicken and the consumer. The chickens are handled carefully to minimize the stress. Our processing is done to maximize cleanliness (in a way large processors can’t), leaving our chicken “squeaky clean”. Unlike industry, our chickens don’t need a bleach bath.
Reserve What You Need
You can ensure that you have all the chicken you want by reserving it. In light of how fast we sold out in 2008, we encourage you to order the amount you will need for the year. This year you will be able to reserve giblets if you are interested. Please mark your order form accordingly.
New this year! If you want to save money you can sign up to work on a processing day. We will give you a job and teach you how to do it. You must be available for the whole time slot 6 am to 12 noon on processing day. You must be 18 years old to handle a knife but responsible children under 18 considered for other jobs with parental guidance. How much you save depends on how much you do. Discussed individually. We know how tight budgets are so we offer several discounts for customers. See the Order Form for Details.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
21 % less total fat
30 % less saturated fat
28 % fewer calories
50 % more vitamin A
100 % more omega-3s
No antibiotics needed
No bleach bath
Raised on actively growing grass to ensure the highest vitamin and mineral quality
Fed locally grown grains
Never fed antibiotics
Never fed growth stimulants
Gently handled to minimize animals stress
Carefully hand processed for your safety
And best of all you can eat and enjoy a flavorful, moist dinner with no stress about the safety.
