We have trialled several different farm-processed poultry options over the years. Though we continuously seek options, we are very happy with our cornish broiler chickens and heritage turkeys sourced within Alberta. We have chosen cornish broiler chickens, which offer soft, tender meat with a high meat-to-bone ratio. These chickens are excellent whole or parted and typically have dressed weight of 5-7 pounds.
Our turkeys are Bourbon Reds. This is a heritage breed that is currently on the watch list of the Livestock Conservancy. This breed was initially bred for meat production and was recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1909. Our heritage turkeys typically have dressed weights of 10-17 pounds. Packed full of flavour.
All of our poultry has access to pasture daily, along with forage feeds such as fodder. They are offered soy-free complete feed for optimal nutrition and foraging options. At Hogs & Horns Homestead, we strive to continue with traditional homestead skills for the animals’ benefit while staying within the rules of Alberta. Our poultry is all processed through the on-farm-slaughter-license and is only sold by the bird, by preorder, within Alberta. Read more information on this license HERE or learn about the basic differences between farm-processed vs. abattoir-processed HERE.
Poultry – Farm-to-Fork
The Chickens We Raise:
At Hogs & Horns Homestead, we raise giant cornish chickens for meat. We are also trialling Bresse chickens for meat as a heritage option.
Meat Turkeys We Raise:
We will be trialling raising some meat turkeys this year.
What’s The Major Difference?
We allow our poultry to naturally forage, enjoy the fresh air and free-range in the sunshine. In doing so, this develops meat with an intense and deeper flavour.
How Do They Live?
Hogs & Horns Homestead raises their poultry outdoors. They’re raised in an outdoor pasture setting, allowing our birds to live life with plenty of exercise, fresh air and sunshine.
What’s their main diet?
Foraging on Alberta’s prairies with access to natural weeds and grasses while foraging for bugs and slugs. They are offered a free-choice, high-quality, soy-free grain mixture that has all the minerals and energy they require for a happy, healthy life.
How Are They Finished?
We raise, finish and process all of our poultry on Hogs & Horns Homestead. They’re butchered under the on-farm slaughter program of Alberta, which means all of our poultry comes un-inspected. This avoids the unneeded stress they experience during transport and the processing plant. Click HERE to learn more about the differences between inspected and un-inspected meat.