In June of 2015, we will be offering pasture-raised chicken for the first time! We are trying out 2 different heritage breeds currently: Delawares & Light Brahmas. We have a few White Plymouth Rocks that we are raising to compare to see which breed produces the best meat off of our pastures. These chicks have been fed commercial feed for the first couple of weeks in addition to being on the pasture. These breeds all take at least 12-14 weeks of growing before they are ready to become a meal. It has been quite an experience so far and I am anxiously waiting for the chance to taste our slow-grown chicken.
We will also have our first batch of Cornish Crosses available the end of July. These are a standard broiler breed that should take about 8 weeks to raise. These will also be supplemented with commercial feed as needed. This is our first time raising them and I have read that they are not as good at foraging for their own food as the heritage breeds. While I love raising heritage breeds and being part of the slow-food movement, my analytic nature has taken over this time and I will be comparing the cost, effort, and meat produced between different breeds, including the Cornish Cross. Please know, that even though the Cornish Cross is a breed that commercial poultry producers often raise, our chickens are never treated the way chickens in the commercial industry are. They always have access to fresh air, green grass, and plenty of bugs to eat.
Cost will be $3.50/pound for whole chickens and $4.00/pound for 9-piece cut chickens.
Chickens should be 4-6 pounds each. We will have very limited amounts this summer, but expect to have plenty available in October and November.
Be sure to fill out a pre-order form to get on our list!
