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| Broilers in Field |
WHAT MAKES WEATHERTOP CHICKEN SUPERIOR TO CONVENTIONALLY
RAISED CHICKEN?
It’s easy to taste the difference between conventionally
grown chicken and pastured chicken. Unfortunately, this difference in taste reflects the abuses and cruelties endured by the
conventionally raised chicken. From the cramped cages coated with heavy layers of fecal dust, to the de-beaking process which
prevents cannibalism of seriously unhappy birds, factory farmed chickens undergo some of the most inhumane treatment of any
livestock. The health issues that spin off of these mistreatments are numerous. The diet of conventional broilers contains
no grass or greens, and thus the chickens are vitamin deficient and sickly, leading to the injection of antibiotics and hormones.
Conventionally grown chickens have no access to fresh outside air, they are exposed to no sunshine, they aren’t able
to forage for bugs, and they don’t even get any exercise. In addition, processing undergone at a conventional (inspected)
facility is done mechanically, making a disgusting mess. According to Joel Salatin, the original pastured poultry guru who
spent time as an investigative journalist, about 9 percent of the weight on most chickens bought in the grocery store is fecal
material or “soup” soaked up from the chill tank where chickens are stored after processing. To deal with this
health hazard, the carcasses are given up to 40 chlorine baths as well as treatments such as irradiation. And all of this
takes place under proper USDA inspection, to supposedly ensure the customer that the product they are buying is safe for consumption.
When conditions are this bad, it is easy to see how a different model can provide not only a much healthier product, but one
that actually tastes a great deal better.
THE WEATHERTOP FARM PASTURED MODEL
We raise our chicks in the brooder for three weeks on top of a deep-bedding system with fresh
wood shavings. Once of age, we put them out on the field in pens measuring 10ft by 12ft. These pens are moved daily to fresh
pasture and provide all the essentials of fresh air, sunshine, bugs, exercise, and protection from the elements and predators.
Our feed comes from a local mill. There are no antibiotics or hormones added, and our pastures are free from insecticides,
pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Our broilers are healthy and are healthy for you.
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