What is Pasture Raised Chicken? A Complete Guide

Pasture raised chicken has become an increasingly popular option for consumers looking for high quality, ethical poultry. But what exactly does “pasture raised” mean and how is it different from conventional chicken production? This complete guide will explain everything you need to know about pasture raised chickens.

What Does Pasture Raised Mean?

Pasture raised chickens are allowed to freely roam and forage on open pasture. The chickens spend their days outside pecking scratching and dust bathing in the grass and soil. At night, they are kept safely in mobile coops or tractors that are regularly moved to fresh pasture.

This is a traditional, sustainable way of raising chickens that allows them exhibit their natural behaviors. Pastured chickens get plenty of fresh air, sunshine and exercise as they range on pasture. Their diverse diet of greens, seeds, insects and grubs found while foraging provides nutritional variety The frequent movement to new ground prevents disease build up and allows the pasture to recover.

The Benefits of Pasture Raised Chickens

Raising chickens on pasture has numerous advantages over conventional factory farming

• Animal Welfare: Chickens that are free to roam in the pasture are less stressed, healthier, and less likely to get hurt than chickens that are kept inside in high-density areas. They live outside like chickens should, where they can roam, dust bathe, forage, perch, and hang out with other chickens.

• Enhanced Nutrition – The varied diet and lifestyle of pasture raised chickens results in higher omega-3s, vitamin E and beta-carotene levels. Their meat and eggs contain more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and nutrients than conventional poultry.

• Improved Flavor – Pasture raised chicken meat is usually firmer and richer tasting with better “mouthfeel”. The varied diet and exercise provides more flavorful meat and eggs.

• Environmental Benefits: Chickens that roam freely spread natural fertilizer and help grass grow again. This is good for the land because it reduces pollution and the need for chemicals.

• Local Economies: Pasture-based systems help small farmers in the region do well without having to spend a lot of money on confinement facilities. The money stays in the area, and farmers can better market their goods directly.

How Pasture Raised Chickens are Raised

Raising chickens on pasture takes careful planning and management. Here are some key elements:

• Daytime Access to Pasture – The chickens must have unfettered access to the outdoors on pasture during the day. They should not be confined indoors.

• Portable Shelters – At night, the birds are kept safe from predators in floorless shelters like chicken tractors that are regularly moved to fresh pasture.

• New Ground Regularly – The shelters must be moved frequently, often daily, so the chickens have access to new forage. Frequent moves prevent disease issues.

• Low Stocking Density – Only a sustainable number of chickens are allowed per acre to prevent overgrazing or damage to the land. Recommendations are about 1000 chickens per acre rotated daily.

• These chickens are 100% grass-fed, which means they eat all natural grasses, legumes, seeds, and insects that they find on pasture, as well as extra organic food. No animal by-products are fed.

Certified Pasture Raised Standards

To ensure authentic pasture raised practices are followed, look for poultry certified under third party audited programs like Certified Humane and Animal Welfare Approved (AWA). These have clear standards including:

• At least 108 square feet of pasture per bird
• 2.5 acres of pasture for every 1000 chickens
• Shelters moved daily providing new forage
• Year round outdoor access required

The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association also has defined standards for certified pasture raised poultry production.

How to Buy Pasture Raised Chicken and Eggs

Pasture raised poultry can be purchased directly from local farms, at specialty grocers like Whole Foods, or ordered online and shipped from pastured poultry providers like Cairncrest Farm.

Look for the “pasture raised” label claim and certified humane or AWA logos. Be sure to ask your farmer for details on their practices to verify the chickens were raised outdoors on grass.

The premium price of pasture raised chickens reflects the enhanced care and production costs. But many consumers find the price worth it for higher quality, humanely raised poultry that also supports small regional farmers.

The Bottom Line

Pasture raised chickens live outdoors freely ranging on grass and get most of their diet from grazing. This traditional farming method allows chickens to live as nature intended while producing nutritionally superior meat and eggs. Supporting pasture based poultry farmers also provides environmental and ethical benefits compared to conventional poultry production. While more expensive than factory farmed chicken, pasture raised poultry offers superior quality and care that ethical consumers are happy to pay for.