(607) 237-1567 (Text or Call)
We raise several small batches of Cornish Cross meat birds at a time during the spring & summer months when they're able to pasture. These are faster growing animals that have larger breasts & legs. They are kept inside shelter for the first couple of weeks until they're feathered & able to tolerate temperature fluctuations that upstate NY brings, especially in the spring. When inside, their bedding is a combination of pine shavings & other all-natural products to help keep the bedding dry & clean (ammonia & moisture-absorbing to keep the birds in the cleanest possible environment until they're put out on pasture).
We feed them a high-quality Non-GMO feed & put them on grassy pasture as soon as they're able to regulate their own body temperature. They are on pasture all day & night in a secure shelter that allows for sun & air flow but protects from harsh wind, rain, or hot sun. Their 'tractors' are moved to fresh pasture as often as needed (2-4x a day). We do not fertilize any of our lawns or pastures with anything unnatural other than manure & lime as needed for proper pH of the soil (to improve grass & hay conditions). The natural manure from the chickens has provided us with amazingly thick, healthy, plush grass that the chickens & other livestock are able to forage on later.
Despite being a heavier bird (we typically process at 5-8# live weight resulting in a 3.5-6# dressed weight), they are very active birds, & LOVE to forage for grasses & bugs, which further enriches the meat and reduces your GMO intake.
After processing, cuts are placed into food-grade poultry shrink bags & sealed to protect from freezer burn to last for years in the freezer. We harvest every possible part of the bird, including the bones, organs, fat, bones, & feet for anti-inflammatory bone broth or raw dog chews. We also save the skins to render down for schmaltz (and mix with saved fats). Did you realize how much healthier, more flavorful, & heat tolerant natural animal fats are when rendered down? If you've never tried potato cubes roasted in schmaltz, you have come to the right place! Ask for a pack of chicken skins & try it!
Non-GMO Pastured Poultry (this was a 2018 bird raised on our farm)